The Hindu Business Line : COAI seeks more spectrum

Plea to Govt
It is absolutely imperative that all players are assured adequate spectrum.
The spectrum needs need to be safeguarded.
There is an urgent need to arrange release of at least another additional 20 MHz in the 1800 MHz band.

New Delhi , Aug 17

Faced with the prospects of new players in the GSM segment, the Cellular Operator's Association of India has written to the Ministry of Communication seeking additional spectrum to cater to the increasing demand for radio frequency.

COAI has said that with three CDMA operators expressing interest to shift to the GSM technology, the Government should make arrangements to release at least an additional 20 MHz spectrum. Currently, GSM operators are getting up to 15 Mhz of spectrum per circle.

COAI, which represents the GSM operators said, "the growing focus of mobile players on GSM will also lead to an increase in the demand for GSM spectrum.

"COAI strongly believes that in order to fuel competition and growth, it is absolutely imperative that all players are assured adequate spectrum as per the prevalent spectrum policy and guidelines of the Government. "In particular, the spectrum needs of the existing GSM operators as per the prevalent guidelines need to be safeguarded and taken care of."

CDMA operators including Reliance Communications, HFCL and Shyam Telecom have applied for GSM licence.

Idea Cellular and Aircel have also applied for a pan India GSM licence. However, the Department of Telecom can give new licences only after it finds fresh spectrum for commercial usage.

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