The Hindu : Front Page : Spectrum for GSM, CDMA players

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Friday, Jan 11, 2008
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Spectrum for GSM, CDMA players

Sandeep Joshi

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday decided to allocate spectrum to existing GSM players and also to CDMA players seeking entry into the GSM mobile space. It has also decided to issue Letters of Intent (LoIs) to eligible new entrants.

While the GSM players have been demanding more spectrum for the past two years, the CDMA players were to enter the GSM market under the dual technology clause.

The move will benefit not only existing operators like Vodafone-Essar, Idea Cellular and Aircel but also CDMA players like Reliance Communications.

Expansion of services

It will not only ensure expansion of mobile and broadband services but also bring some peace among the warring GSM and CDMA lobbies in the telecom sector.

Some existing players are likely to get 4.4 MHz frequency for some circles at the existing price based on Rs.1,651 crore for the nationwide spectrum.

These companies have been waiting for spectrum to start GSM mobile services in some of the circles to cover the remaining areas in the country. The government has also decided to allow new players on the basis of their eligibility and priority of application.

“The Department of Telecommunications has decided to issue Letters of Intent to all the eligible applicants who applied up to September 25, 2007,” said an official release.

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