TRAI directives to help the boom in 3G and spurt in broad-band

New Delhi, Sep 27 (UNI) In a move that would help launch third generation (3G) wireless technology by June 2007 in the country and further boost broad-band usage, the telecom regulator today gave its verdict on allocation and pricing of spectrum that would enable all telecom service licence holders including both GSM and CDMA, to roll out the facilities to the consumers.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman, Nirpendra Mishra said initial estimates indicate that the total pan-India revenue base of 3G and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) would be Rs 1,400 crore.

Spectrum will be auctioned circle wise. There are 23 telecom circles in the country. He said all the telecom players will be included.''Nobody will be eliminated,'' Mr Mishra said.

Mr Mishra said 3 G services will be expensive initially but with increasing competition as in in the current 2G services it will be more affordable to the masses. 3G entails high speed access and streaming videao apart from voice.

''The equipment prices will go down with competition'', Mr Mishra said.

The whole exersise is not tilted in favour of any single operator, CDMA or GSM but is ''totally balanced and ensure level playing field'' the TRAI Chairman told media persons here.

As far as subscribers are concerned, both CDMA and GSM services on 3G will be given at the same time.

On broadband he said there will be a spurt in such services in the country and providers may even bundle other technologies like WIMAX while offering them to the subscribers.

''Spectrum identified for 3G should be treated as a stand-alone allocation and not as an extension of earlier spectrum allocation of 2G.'' The spectrum for immediate allocation in case of 3G services should be in 450 MHz, 800 MHz and 2.1 GHz. As per present estimates 2 X 32.5 Mhz of spectrum will be available in a time scenario of six to nine months for 3G services.

Five blocks of 2X5 MHz in 2.1 Ghz band, one block of 2x 5MHz in 800 MHz band to be made available through a prescribed procedure.

Mr Mishra said the base price for acquisition of spectrum for 3G services was recommended at Rs 80 crores for category A circles--Delhi and MUmbai, Rs 40 crores for category B circles and metro Chennai and Kolkata, and Rs 15 crores for category C circle.

TRAI has also gioven high priority to Broadband Wireless Access (BWA).

TRAI has identified 200 MHz of spectrum in 3.3-3.4 GHz and 3.4 GHz and 3.4-3.6 GHz bands to about 13 carriers in contingous blocks of 15 MHz each.

Stiff penality has been recommeneded for de-hoarding and non-complaince of roll out obligations, Mr Mishra said.

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