The Ministry of Defence has agreed to swap the 3G spectrum held by it in the 2100 MHz band in exchange for the spectrum in another band with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Earlier, DoT had approached the ministry to free up spectrum units in the 2100 MHz band, in exchange for spectrum units in the 1900 MHz band. The move is aimed at providing GSM operators with additional spectrum for offering 3G services using 2100 MHz band.
Following discussions over the last few months, the Ministry of Defence has agreed to swap 15 MHz of 3G spectrum with 15 MHz in the 1,900 MHz band which supports evolution-data optimised services. As part of the swap deal, DoT will create a Defence Spectrum Band for the armed forces with immediate effect.
In addition, DoT in principle has agreed to the ministry?s demand not to auction 2G spectrum in the defence band. Further, DoT will undertake refarming in the 900 MHz band in consultation with Ministry of Defence. Under the refarming plan, the government was planning to move GSM operators from the 900 MHz band to the 1800 MHz. However, the Ministry of Defence opposed the move on the grounds that it would have to vacate few units in the 1800 MHz band to accommodate GSM operators.
Further, the Ministry of Defence has turned down DoT?s proposal to free up spectrum in the S-band (2500 MHz and 2690 MHz). The DoT wanted to auction the spectrum in the S-band to operators for offering broadband wireless services to users.
