DoT's selection of 4 bands for WiMAX may hit space hurdle

NEW DELHI: In its bid to ensure that India keeps pace with the world in the introduction of WiMAX, the department of telecom (DoT) has shortlisted four frequency bands for allocation of spectrum for these services. WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a technology that is considered a cheaper alternative to 3G as it can enable true broadband speeds over wireless networks at a cost point to enable mass market adoption.

The four frequency shortlisted by DoT include 2.5-2.69 Ghz, 3.4-3.6Ghz, 2.3-2.4 Ghz and 700 Mhz. In fact, the DoT has already requested the department of space that it release 95 Mhz (out of the total 190 Mhz) for 3G and WiMAX in the first of the shortlisted bands. The DoT has also sought that 150 Mhz be initially released in the 3.4-3.6Ghz band and the complete 200 Mhz be subsequently freed for WiMAX systems.

Sources said that for the 2.3-2.4 Ghz band, the DoT has initiated steps to “consult on priority, the equipment manufacturers for availability of standard WiMAX equipment in addition to setting a time frame for the same.” In the 700 Mhz, it is proposed that about 40 Mhz of spectrum would be identified, co-ordinated and earmarked for rural WiMAX applications.

However, the DoT plans may run into rough weather as the department of space (DoS) has opposed the move for allocation of WiMAX spectrum in some of the above bands.

For instance, in the 2.5-2.69 Ghz, the DoS has said that this band is currently being used for various satellite based mobile and broadcast applications, including disaster warning dissemination, radio and networking. This band contains the only co-ordinated spectrum below 3Ghz for broadcast and mobile satellite service for India, the DoS said.

In the 3.4-3.6 Ghz, the DoS has stated that it is being used by INSAT for fixed satellite service downlink for the past seven years and there are contractual commitments to continue the service on a long term basis. Similarly, in the 2.3-2.4 Ghz, the DoS has said that this has not been earmarked in the national frequency allocation plan ’02 for WiMAX applications.