The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has sent a note to the empowered Group of Ministers (eGoM) for getting the defence forces to vacate more spectrum. The DoT has sought 230 Mhz for mobile services, a major portion of which is for future 2G mobile services.
DoT has told the eGoM that release of airwaves will not only help in meeting the country’s communication needs over the next five years, but also generate additional revenue of Rs 900 billion for the exchequer.
According to the note, the DoT has sought 130 Mhz of spectrum for 2G services, 60 Mhz for third generation (3G) and another 35 Mhz for CDMA-based mobile operators between the 1,700 Mhz and 2,000 Mhz frequency bands.
Prior to this, the defence forces had said that DoT did not fulfill the agreement signed in May 2009. DoT was to lay an optical fibre cable network for the armed forces in addition to creating an exclusive defence spectrum band.
While the defence forces released 20 Mhz of 3G spectrum as part of this agreement, differences have cropped up on the exact frequencies to be earmarked for the defence band. According to the note, while the defence has agreed to vacate 150 Mhz of airwaves, DoT asked for another 80 Mhz.
