It's important to note that the current chief of Trai has started giving
special thrust on long-term policies. This is a major deviation from the earlier
policy makers who steered a number of interim policies, including the much
debated spectrum allotment based on subscriber base.
If implemented properly, the current consultation paper on spectrum can
ensure operators that they are spending wisely. They can manage long-term
investments and choose the right technologies. The futuristic initiative can
also be sabotaged if the government does not find enough spectrum, a part of
which has to come from the Defense.
Though India needs a ten year spectrum management policy, Trai is calculating
the spectrum needs of operators in the next five years. According to Trai,
teledensity in Delhi will be 150 in the next five years. Hence, we need to
assess the spectrum requirements now. The step that the telecom regulator is
taking now is worth appreciating.
Around 50% of the Delhi population will use mobile for Internet access and
non-voice services by 2014. To offer 3G and high-speed data services, 100 MHz of
spectrum for five operators is required till 2014 considering the international
practices. To offer BWA services, 100 MHz of spectrum will be required for five
operators till 2014.
Trai's calculations are based on certain assumptions and may vary depending
on future market conditions. One such assumption is that around 30% of the
mobile subscribers have subscribed to GPRS services, as on June 2009. But we do
not have the actual number of active GPRS users.
Though operators are yet to talk about LTE because they want to spend heavily
on 3G and WiMax, Trai is getting ready with its action. Trai says India will
have LTE operators by 2014. Besides, the next one to two years will see the
launch of mobile TV and terrestrial digital TV. LTE operators prefer to use the
700MHz band, the targeted band for broadcasting. Hence, to offer both
broadcasting and LTE, 108 MHz of spectrum, available in this band may be
required.
Based on rough estimates, India needs 582 MHz of spectrum in various bands in
the next five years. My suggestion to stakeholders would be to avoid unending
debate on spectrum. Also, the rare commodity should be made available to
operators urgently to run business profitably.
Baburajan K
baburajank@cybermedia.co.in
Page(s) 1
Print
Comment
Email
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
