Trai starts process for 4G technology; to give recommendations soon

Even as the government debates when the auction of spectrum for the third-generation telephony could take place, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today started consultations for the next level of telecom services.

The fourth-generation, or 4G, technology, known as the ultra-broadband, offers download at faster speed and high definition video on demand, among other services.

“Yes. We are starting the process and would come out with a consultation paper to look into various issues relating to 4G telecom services,” Trai Chairman J S Sarma said.

He, however, said categorically that this did not mean the 3G process be skipped, as the government had taken definitive steps and might auction the spectrum soon.

“(The auction of) 3G has been delayed badly... I don’t want 4G or Long-Term Evolution (LTE) to meet the same fate. Other countries are catching up with 4G and that is why we are taking advance action,” he said.

The 4G services, or LTE, are a successor to 3G and 2G standards, with the aim to provide a wide range of data rates up to ultra-broadband (gigabit-speed) internet access to mobile, as well as stationary users.

Trai would look into the various aspects, including spectrum band to be allotted for 4G services and quantum and modes of allotment to operators.

Asked when the consultation paper would be issued, Sarma said “very shortly”. The paper would throw various questions for the industry and other stakeholders to deliberate on before getting Trai recommendations.

Trai’s move to leapfrog to 4G technology comes in the wake of the government dithering over 3G policy, which has been delayed by more than three years.

In fact, a number of foreign players like the US-based Motorola and Ericsson have already started testing the 4G technology in various parts of the world.

Asked if the government had sought recommendations from Trai for 4G telephony, Sarma said: “Trai required to examine various issues concerning 4G and we do not want it to be delayed like 3G and that is why we have started the process.

“In fact, when I had taken charge as the Trai chairman, I had said we should be technologically ready. When we start is a different process,” he added.