The defence ministry has informed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that it is necessary to create a “Defence Interest Zone” with regard to spectrum allocation in an area of about 100 km contiguous to the national boundary. This must be included in the upcoming National Frequency Allocation Plan, 2006. The move will impact cellular operators in border areas in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim and the north-eastern states where the armed forces will get priority over cellular operators with regard to spectrum allocation.
Within this zone, the defence services would be eligible for more than their earmarked spectrum across the different bands.
Moreover, during a national crisis, the operators would have to surrender spectrum to the defence forces.
