The Hindu Business Line : CDMA 3G trials on 1900-band done under DoT watch

New Delhi, Oct 14 In a bid to get a favourable third generation mobile policy, the Division Multiple Access (CDMA) players have completed trials using the controversial 1900 Mhz band in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Telecom and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. The trials were conducted in Andhra Pradesh on Friday and Saturday.

The trials being conducted on Tata Teleservices’ network is being undertaken to check whether 3G services in the 1900 Mhz band causes interference to the services offered by cellular operators using the GSM technology.

While CDMA operators claim that there is no interference, GSM operators are blocking the allotment of the 1900 Mhz band on the ground that their 3G plans using the 2.1 Ghz will be disturbed. The inspectors from DoT will present their report to their Government verifying claims made by both sides.

Though the DoT is considering allowing CDMA players to offer 3G services in the 800 Mhz band, the cost of offering third generation services in 1900 Mhz frequency band is much lower, according to CDMA industry experts. On the other hand, if the claim from the CDMA camp is found to be baseless, it will be major victory for GSM operators who can then push their 3G services.

However, neutral technology providers, which offer both CDMA and GSM third generation solutions, said that though 1900 Mhz band will provide an edge to CDMA operators, they will still be able to offer 3G services at competitive rates in other available frequency bands in case DoT decides to disagree with the CDMA operators’ claims.

Policy impact

While the trial had begun in September, the feedback given by the DoT officials will be used to formulate 3G policy. Most of the spectrum-related discussions at present within DoT are taking place around the 2.1 Ghz for GSM operators. Even the discussions with the Defence Ministry for vacating radio frequency does not mention spectrum for CDMA players.

Related Stories:
3G trials on 1900 Mhz band successful, claim CDMA operators
3G for CDMA users could get delayed
CDMA operators to run 3G trials in Jan
CDMA 3G trials by May-end

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