DoT seeks 3G spectrum in place of EVDO airwave from Defence Ministry

NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecom has requested the Defence Ministry to release 15 Mhz of 3G spectrum, worth an estimated Rs 50,000 crore, in place of another set of spectrum which it had agreed to free, sources said.

Telecom Secretary M F Farooqui has written to Defence Secretary R K Mathur seeking 15 Mhz of 3G spectrum, the source said.

The Defence Ministry had in 2010 agreed to release spectrum marked for EVDO (equivalent to 3G) that are used by CDMA players for high-speed services.

Sources said proposal from COAI has been received by DoT for swapping of 15 megahertz for EVDO in 1900-1907.5 Mhz and 1980-1987.5 Mhz with same amount of spectrum in 3G in 1939-1934 Mhz held by Defence at present

In 2010, auction of 15 Mhz of 3G spectrum had fetched around Rs 50,000 crore for the government.

Industry body COAI has requested to swap 15 Mhz of EVDO spectrum with frequencies close to airwaves that were allocated to players in 2010 auction for offering 3G services.

As part of another agreement to vacate around 65 Mhz of spectrum, the Defence Ministry has already vacated 10 Mhz of paired spectrum for 2G services, and 20 Mhz of 25 Mhz for 3G services.

The Defence Ministry has agreed to vacate rest of the 2G and 3G airwaves following completion of an alternate communication network that telecom ministry has promised it in lieu of spectrum.

The alternate network is expected to be completed by mid of 2015.