The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to allocate spectrum in 800 MHz band as the extended GSM (E-GSM) band. Also, COAI has asked DoT to sell the spectrum in 800 MHz band as part of the total spectrum offered in the 900 MHz band in the upcoming spectrum auctions.
The association is of the view that the demand for the spectrum in 900 MHz band, which is primarily used for providing GSM services, is larger than that for 800 MHz band. Moreover, many CDMA players, who provide services using spectrum in the 800 MHz band, are also aiming to acquire spectrum in 900 MHz in the forthcoming auctions. Therefore, it would be economical to transform the vacant spectrum in the 800 MHz band to 900 MHz band as E-GSM.
Further, COAI has added that the reconfiguration of the available 800 MHz spectrum will not only increase the availability of spectrum in the 900 MHz band but will also lead to more efficient use of spectrum. Also, the government will be able to fetch higher revenues from the sale of E-GSM band.
