The Hindu Business Line : BSNL mulls CDMA-based mobile services

The future of telecom services
The Government has already allowed RCom, HFCL and Shyam to use dual technologies while Tata Teleservices’ application is pending with Department of Telecom.
BSNL already has CDMA spectrum and is using the technology for deploying fixed wireless services in rural areas.

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Nov. 2 After Reliance Communication and Tata Teleservices, State owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd is now mulling to take advantage of Government’s decision to permit telecom operators to offer both GSM and CDMA mobile services under the same licence.

BSNL said it was keen to roll out mobile services using CDMA technology even as it expands its existing GSM based cellular infrastructure. BSNL would become the fifth company to approach the Government seeking an approval for deploying dual technologies for mobile services though the other four companies are CDMA operators wanting to get into GSM technology. The Government has already allowed RCom, HFCL and Shyam to use dual technologies while Tata Teleservices’ application is pending with Department of Telecom. But spectrum has not been allocated to anyone till now.

BSNL could, however, become the first company to actually deploy dual mobile technologies, as it already has CDMA spectrum and is currently using the technology for deploying fixed wireless services in rural areas. Since it already has a network BSNL only needs a formal approval from the DoT to upgrade its existing fixed wireless CDMA platform for offering full mobile services. BSNL officials pointed out that the capital expenditure required will also be marginal.

Appeal in TDSAT

BSNL’s move comes even as existing private GSM operator have filed an appeal in Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal challenging DoT’s decision to permit mixed technologies.

BSNL had earlier sought DoT’s approval for the same but was refused permission as dual technology was not allowed at that time. “Now since the policy has changed we are thinking to seek Governments approval for rolling out fully mobile CDMA service. A decision will be taken in another 10 days,” said Mr Kuldeep Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL.