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Thomas K. Thomas

New Delhi, Nov. 8

In what could pave the way for release of more spectrum by the defence forces, the Department of Telecom has completed most of the optical fibre cable network for the Air Force at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore.

The network, being rolled out by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, connects 162 Air Force stations across the country. The defence forces had set a pre-condition that it would give up spectrum only after the network was laid out.

According to top DoT sources, more than 150 points have already been linked with some delays in two States. The network, for exclusive use by the Air Force, was part of the agreement between the Defence Ministry and the Department of Telecom.

DoT had agreed to roll out the network as an alternative medium of communications for the defence in lieu of vacated spectrum. Another cable system for the army and the navy is also being planned as part of the agreement. The total cost of the project is close to Rs 9,000 crore and will be completed in 2-3 years.

According to the MoU signed by the two sides, the defence will release 25 Mhz of 3G spectrum and 20 Mhz of 2G spectrum. Of this it will immediately release 10 Mhz for 3G spectrum and 5 Mhz for existing 2G cellular services.

According to the agreement, the defence should have released another 5 Mhz for 3G services once DoT places the supply order for setting up an OFC-based network for the Air Force.

DoT will get 5 Mhz more of 3G spectrum and 5 Mhz of 2G spectrum on supply of the equipment. Once the equipment is installed, the armed forces will give up 5 Mhz each in 3G and 2G bands. Another 5 Mhz of 2G spectrum will be given on commissioning of the OFC network.

The spectrum released will be used for mobile services. While 3G spectrum will be auctioned, the Government is yet to decide on how to allocate 2G spectrum. But before that the defence and DoT will have to agree on the frequency bands which will be vacated. For example for 3G services the two sides have presented their own set of bands for auctioning. The Ministry of Finance is expected to intervene to thrash out a solution.

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