DoT, Defence finalising agreement on spectrum release
DoT, Defence finalising agreement on spectrum release A pact that will clear the path for release of spectrum by armed forces for second and third generation mobile services by April 2008 is to be finalised by DoT and defense ministry, report agency sources.
To lay-down the road-map, and schedule phase – wise spectrum vacation, a memorandum of understanding will be signed. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed soon. An action will be taken by both DoT and MoD t o create an alternative modern communication network Army, Navy and Air Force.
Defence forces will vacate 25 Mhz for 2G (normal voice and data services) by April 2008, according to the draft of MoU suggested by Group of Ministers.It will be done in phases - 5 Mhz of radio waves immediately in Delhi and Mumbai, 10 Mhz by January and another 10 Mhz by April next - varying from circle to circle.
For third generation or 3G services, the ministry is to release up to 30 Mhz of spectrum by April. Out of this, depending on the circle up to 20 Mhz spectrums January and another 10 Mhz by April is proposed to be released. In 3G, Delhi will get the maximum 3G spectrum of 30 Mhz and Mumbai will get 20 Mhz. A technological shift from the tropo-scatter and microwave links to the optical fibre link is a necessary condition for defence force. The present wireless communication technologies used by defence ministry are said to be spectrum-inefficient.
The MoU draft states that DoT will obtain approval from the Telecom Commission and Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs of Rs 10.40 billion for execution of first phase, under which an alternate communication network for Indian Air Force is to be put in place.
Modalities for second phase will be to facilitate consultation among BSNL, Army and Navy. After finalizing the modalities, the department will take necessary steps to obtain approval of Telecom Commission and CCEA for sanction of requisite funds for execution of second phase.
Alternate communication network for Indian Air Force will be provided at 162 locations in the first phase. Out of which both the ministries will make efforts to complete first phase in 54 sites and second phase 39 sites by December 2007. Work on the remaining 69 sites will be completed by March 2008.
