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Thomas K. Thomas

New Delhi , Feb. 16

The US-based Qualcomm has said that Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based operators, including Reliance Infocomm and Tata Teleservices, have put on hold their plans to roll out high speed wireless Internet services due to a crunch in spectrum availability.

The company, which is responsible for developing CDMA technology globally, said that the spectrum policy being formulated by the telecom regulator should be "technology-agnostic" and allow both CDMA and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operators to use the 1,900 Mhz band.

A high-level delegation from the CDMA Development Group is expected to arrive in India early next week and is likely to hold meetings with the Government and other agencies over the issue. The delegation will include experts in spectrum management and technocrats from equipment manufacturing companies.

Mr Rishi Dhingra, Director, Business Development, Qualcomm, said here: "We are seeking an equal playing field with GSM operators in terms of the quantum of the spectrum allocated. With just 5 Mhz radio frequency, CDMA operators are finding it difficult to roll out value-added services and the much awaited wireless broadband service Evolution Data Only (EVDO)."

On the issue of allocating 1,900 Mhz frequency band, Mr Dhingra said that India could learn from the US where both the CDMA and GSM operators are using the band.

GSM operators have objected to the allocation of the 1,900 Mhz frequency band to CDMA operators on grounds it would create interference with their network. CDMA operators want a share saying that the equipment is not compatible with any other frequency.

"Globally, CDMA operators use the combination of the 800 Mhz and 1,900 Mhz frequency. If India decides to move away from this trend, it will have ramifications on international roaming services," said Mr Dhingra.

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