CDMA-based telecom operators have got a shot in the arm with the parliamentary committee on IT recommending that the government allot the crucial 1,900 mhz spectrum to players using this technology for expansion of services.

“All efforts should be made to allot as much spectrum as the government can in 800/1,900 mhz for the CDMA operators and the 900/1,800 mhz for the GSM players for the expansion of telecom services,” standing committee on it (2005-06) said in its report on spectrum management.

The panel feels 3G services would be available only in the next three years.

It may be noted here that CDMA (code division multiplicity access) players have been demanding spectrum allocation on 1,900 mhz band for 3G services for long, saying this was the only band where global equipment for 3G service was available.

3G services will enable a mobile user to access high-speed data, internet, video streaming as well as voice services.

Call Waiting

• Panel favours allocating more spectrum in 800/1,900 mhz band to CDMA and 900/1,800 mhz band to GSM players
• CDMA players have been demanding spectrum allocation on 1,900 mhz band for 3G services for long
• They say this was the only band where equipment is globally available for 3G

Stating that 3G services are already made available through “EDGE” (Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution) and “EVDO” (Evolution Data Only) platforms by GSM and CDMA companies respectively, the committee said until the time 2.1 ghz band (as suggested by TRAI) is coordinated and spectrum and equipment are available in this band, the nation should not be deprived of access to 3G and other emerging service.

“In view of the fact that 3G and emerging services can be provided in the 800 mhz and 900/1,800 mhz bands, the committee desires that the government should create simultaneous opportunities to both GSM and CDMA players for roll out of 3G services”, it said.

The panel also drew a comparison between the availability of spectrum to GSM and CDMA players.

(www.financialexpress.com)