Network OperatorsIndia pushes ITU to identify new data spectrum bands

India pushes ITU to identify new data spectrum bands

In a bid to deal with the increasing pressure faced by spectrum bands in India, the country has pushed the International Telecom Union (ITU) to recognize new sources for mobile data connectivity. If its proposal is successful, almost 400MHz of radiowaves will get freed up.

The ITU is a global conglomerate of governments and corporate firms which deals with international spectrum management issues and suggests new technologies and standards for the telecom industry. India’s urging comes in the midst of the ongoing World Radio Conference (WRC – 15) taking place in Geneva.

Spectrum Sharing

In an internal note, the ITU confirmed that the Indian government supports the identification of fresh frequency bands for the purpose of developing an ecosystem of international mobile telecommunications (IMT). The country supposedly sent the body a missive asking it to recognize airwaves in the 1427 – 1518MHz, 3300 – 3400MHz and 3400 – 3600MHz ranges.

As per two insiders with direct knowledge of the document, these bandwidths are ideal for increasing 3G and 4G download speeds and expanding data coverage of congested circles. The Economic Times thinks the DoT might have also requested the ITU to identify the idle television broadcasting radiowaves in the 470 – 678MHz range.

Also See: Telecom Commission approves TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum cap

This band is commonly referred to as white space spectrum. The move has been triggered by the lack of usable airwaves within the standard mobile bands like the 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz. However, the DoT is facing a big problem with this plan namely that Doordarshan, the current holder of these frequencies, is refusing to give up its rights over them.

Doordarshan claims it needs the white space spectrum as it is currently undergoing the transition towards digitization. DoT and TRAI officials asserted that since the public broadcaster is not using up the whole band, a section of it in the 586 – 698MHz range could be handed over for mobile connectivity.

A compromise must be reached, as Microsoft is depending on access to the bandwidth in order to provide internet services through its low-cost White Spaces project. The tech giant is facing further opposition in this endeavor from the Broadband India Forum (BIF), which wants the DoT to auction the unused spectrum instead of giving it away for free.

Related Articles

Latest Posts