Trai to start consultation process on 4G by June this yr

Even as the operators are yet to start offering NextGen 3G mobile services on full stream, telecom regulator Trai today said it would come out with a consultation paper on fourth generation mobile (4G) services by the middle of this year.

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

"I expect 4G to come in India next year. Trai will bring out a consultation paper on 4G in the middle of this year," Trai Chairman J S Sarma told reporters on sidelines of a function organised by Assocham-Deloitte to release a study on Mobile Value Added Services (MVAS).

4G or LTE is 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 service and quantum and modes of allotment to the operators.

The paper would throw up various questions for the industry and other stake holders to deliberate culminating into recommendations by the Trai.