Letters: Spectral transparency

This refers to Shyam Ponappa’s ‘A rational spectrum allocation policy’ , July 2. The author finds fault with the globally accepted method of measuring spectral efficiency in terms of traffic per unit of spectrum and optimising the use of this scarce resource. A high spectral efficiency does not necessarily mean that the network is congested. Unlike roads, telecom networks are dimensioned to provide a specified ‘Grade of Service’ (GoS). GoS specifies the level of congestion on the air interface. Typically, mobile networks are dimensioned for a GoS of two per cent. The TRAI monitors GoS under the Quality of Service (QoS) regulation. The operator is required to provide enough network resources including spectrum to meet the GoS norms. Therefore, the analogy of congested roads is not quite correct. Another contention of the author, that the number of operators is ‘limited in the UK’, is not correct either. Although the UK had a duopoly regime in the 1980s, after extensive consultations, the policy was reviewed in 1991 and a policy of open competition was adopted — this means the number of operators over there is only limited by market forces.

Also, for efficient utilisation of spectrum which is a scarce national resource, there is no alternative to a transparent bidding process or auction as recommended by the Spectrum Allocation Committee (SAC).

R R N Prasad
Former Member, TRAI / Telecom Commission

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