The Hindu Business Line : DoT to conduct checks on operators’ networks

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DoT to conduct checks on operators’ networks

Tech verification drive for efficient use of spectrum

Thomas K Thomas

New Delhi, Sept. 14 In a bid to ensure that cellular operators are using the given spectrum efficiently, the Department of Telecom has asked all the service providers to furnish details of the various techniques being deployed that enhances usage of radio frequency.

DoT has also asked its wireless monitoring organisation to carry out sample checks in each circle to verify that the operators are using technologies that ensures optimum utilisation of spectrum.

The move assumes significance in the light of recent demands by the existing operators that the spectrum allocated was inadequate. The Cellular Operators Association of India has also sent a legal notice demanding additional radio frequency to cellular operators.

“GSM cellular service providers have been asked to deploy techniques such as synthesised frequency hopping, tighter frequency re-use plan, cell splitting, in building solutions and micro cells, in their network to ensure optimal and efficient utilisation of the allotted spectrum. The operators were asked to give details of such techniques deployed in their respective networks within a week. We have now asked the monitoring agency to conduct checks on the operator’s network to verify this,” said a senior DoT official.

Major impact

The verification drive will have a major impact on the Government policy on spectrum allocation to the existing providers. If it is found that the operators have not invested enough to put in place technologies that improves spectrum utilisation, then the DoT may make it difficult for the existing players to get additional radio waves. Earlier the telecom regulator had said that the operators were not using spectrum efficiently and can actually pack in more subscribers within the already given frequency band.

Quality to be hit

Operators, however, claim that lack of adequate spectrum would result in poor quality of services.

TRAI in its recent recommendations had also suggested that the operators be asked to pack in more than double their existing subscriber base.

It had earlier said that since 60 per cent of all mobile calls were made while the users are within a building, operators should be asked to improve their in-building coverage.

DoT has asked its monitoring agency to complete the random checking process within three weeks.

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