NSA examining spectrum issue, national security priority: P Raju

New Delhi, Jun 26 (UNI) The Government today said the National Security Advisor (NSA) is currently examining the recommendations of Defence, Communication and IT Ministries before releasing spectrum so that national security is not compromised.

''After receiving NSA's observations, a decision on spectrum allocations would be taken accordingly,'' Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju said at the Assocham's 'WiMAX:Driver for Broadband in India' conference here.

The Minister said the delay in spectrum allocation has taken place because the government could not evolve an alternate communication networking system for its armed forces, as it has legacy of equipment which were not spectrum-friendly.

''Now that the alternate advance telecom system is being restored for the armed forces, spectrum release should not be a problem and a decision for release of spectrum would shortly be taken,'' he said without committing a particular deadline for it.

He attributed this as a reason why the NSA is examining the issue with this angle in consultation with Ministry of Communication and IT.

''It will take little more time and the issue of spectrum allocation would be sorted out for good,'' he said.

Talking about WiMax, Mr Raju said the government would try its best to adopt WiMax technologies for urban rural connectivity as it is the most cost effective as compared to other technologies.

''These technologies have become the most convenient mode of access as they offer quick Go-to-Market models due to lesser and faster infrastructure build out cycle times as compared to fibre or copper-based access,'' he said.

An equally important feature of mobile internet is broadband wireless access. ''Fourth generation technology such as WiMax are apparently ready to roll out mobile internet. Over 300 WiMax networks are apparently being built worldwide. India has not yet allocated the spectrum but government is trying to make this happen soon,'' the Minister said.

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