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Our Bureau

New Delhi , May 6

IN a bid to decongest mobile networks, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is set to propose opening up the 450 Mhz radio frequency band for the first time.

Though this spectrum will be earmarked for the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based operators, TRAI may not open up the much-wanted 1900 Mhz band for them. While additional frequency would mean better quality of service for consumers, CDMA operators had said that allocation of spectrum in bands other than the 1900 Mhz could make their business unviable.

Government sources, however, said that TRAI was convinced that the CDMA equipment that works in the IMT 2000 band was available, while suitable handset could be developed in 6 months by the vendors. They said members on the TRAI board were deliberating on the issue and a final decision is expected shortly

The sources said the two bands, IMT 2000 and 1900 Mhz, could not be released simultaneously as they would create interference. They said that since the defence agencies have expressed their inability to vacate the 1900 Mhz band, it is likely that TRAI may decide to go in for the IMT 2000 band for offering third generation services. The move will benefit GSM-based cellular operators such as Airtel, Hutch, Idea Cellular and BPL.

The regulator is also likely to suggest setting up a Group of Ministers assisted by professionals from the Ministry of Defence, Department of Telecom and the regulator to draw a detailed time-bound step-by-step programme and monitor its implementation for spectrum allocation.

Among other recommendations, the regulator is likely to bring down annual spectrum fee for all operators, both GSM and CDMA, from a maximum of 6 per cent to 4 per cent. Existing mobile operators may get 3G spectrum at no entry cost and each operator is likely to get at least 5 Mhz radio frequency. TRAI may also impose roll-out obligations whereby operators will have to cover 10 per cent of the district with 3G services.

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