Summary of TRAI Spectrum Policy Recommendations

The study on Recommendations on Spectrum Related Issues by TRAI is done and following points are observed which are as follows

• Currently mobile operators in India are having the spectrum ranging from 2 x 4.4 MHz to 2 x 10 MHz for GSM operators and 2 x 2.5 MHz to 2 x 2.5 MHz to 2 x 5 MHz for CDMA operators which is far below the international avaerages for both technology operators.
• The criteria for CDMA operators include additional allocation of spectrum is service area specific which is not the situation in GSM operators. Hence authority recommended for revision of both GSM and CDMA spectrum allocation.
• The approach for IMT-2000 services (3G band) band spectrum allocation should be followed where there is adequate competition and where 2/2.5G spectrum availability has constraint.
• For year 2007 and beyond, entire 1800 MHz and entire IMT-2000 band will have to be allocated to indian mobile operators.
• Due to shortage of 2G spectrum, authority considered allocation of additional spectrum in IMT-2000 band. During discussions with the operators it came out that strategies are possible to shift some users from 2 G bands to IMT-2000 band, thereby creating space for new and marginal users in the existing 2 G bands. Thus, utilization of IMT-2000 band
  could supplement the primary thrust to get more spectrum vacated in the 1800 MHz band already discussed earlier. Keeping these arguments in mind, the Authority recommends that 3G spectrumallocation to the existing operators should be viewed as extension of 2G spectrum allocations.
• The availability of 2 X 5 MHz in IMT-2000 2 GHz band to each existing mobile service provider who demands it, is coordinated within a very short time frame to offer IMT-2000 services.
• In-band equipment for providing 3G services need less infrastructure in comparison services providing at IMT 2000 band for WCDMA. Hence this needs serious attention from spectrum managers and operators point of view.
• TRAI also recommeneded that Government should continue to make efforts for the availability of additional spectrum not only in existing frequency band but also for additional frequency bands which are identified by ITU for mobile services viz. 2500-2690 MHz for IMT 2000 services.