The Hindu Business Line : Govt plans to earmark 2.5 Ghz for Wi-Max

The move comes despite objections raised by GSM-based cellular operators to earmark the frequency band exclusively for third-generation (3G) services.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Wireless Tech India 2006 Conference, organised by Bharat Exhibitions, Mr P.K. Garg, Wireless Advisor to the Government, said that frequency bands in 2.3 Ghz, 2.4 Ghz and 2.5 Ghz would be reserved for Wi-Max services.

"We are considering allocating 2.5 Ghz as the band for Wi-Max to take advantage of the lower costs that this band would offer. The trend for greater and greater use of wireless for data transmission is evident and even the standard of broadband services at 256 Kbps is becoming inadequate. It is obvious that the increasing data needs would compel 2 Mbps for broadband," he added.

When contacted, Mr T.V. Ramachandran, Director-General, Cellular Operators' Association of India, said that enough bandwidth on the 2.5 Ghz should be left for 3G services as there isn't enough frequency for all operators in the 2.1 Ghz band.

"If the Government does not keep 2.5 Ghz for 3G services, India may lose out on the advantages the service will bring. India has too many operators wanting to offer 3G services and too little spectrum; therefore, it is important to earmark capacity on 2.5 GHz for 3G."

Equipment manufacturers such as Nokia and Ericsson are supporting COAI as they have a strong market position in GSM technology.

On the other hand, Nortel and Alcatel are pushing for Wi-Max.

Market analysts said that the global joust between promoters of GSM and CDMA technologies for a larger share of the voice market may be overshadowed by the battle brewing between those rooting for 3G and Wi-Max technologies for gaining a foothold into high-speed data transmission segment.

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