SSTL receives third carrier in 800 Mhz spectrum band from DoT

Sistema Shyam Teleservices (SSTL) today it has received third carrier in the 800 Mhz spectrum band from the Department of Telecom (DoT) which will allow the company to launch next generation REV B phase 2 services soon.

 

Rev B phase 2 is a form of third generation (3G) services.

 

The telecom operator had won three carriers of 1.25 Mhz each in 800 MHz band, used for providing CDMA services, for eight circles in the March auction for Rs 3,639 crore.

 

"This represents a major milestone, as it would enable SSTL to provide its customers with the next generation Rev B Phase II telecom services across all its circles," SSTL Chief Executive Officer Dmitry Shukov said in a statement.

 

The company, which provides services under MTS brand name, already offers REV B phase 2 services in Jaipur, Bhiwadi, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur in Rajasthan circle.

 

Shukov added going forward, the company plans to acquire at least 5 Mhz of contiguous spectrum within the 800 Mhz spectrum band. The company currently has 3.75 MHz spectrum in nine circles.

 

The company, controlled by Russian conglomerate Sistema, has also received Unified Licence from the government, allowing it liberal use of telecom technologies for providing latest services.

 

SSTL has permit to operate in nine circles but its Unified Licences are valid for eight service areas - Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, Tamil Nadu, UP (West) and West Bengal.

 

Rajasthan is another service area where SSTL has operations but it is being run under old telecom licence which is called Unified Access Services Licences.