Three GSM service providers seek additional spectrum

Three major GSM telecom operators — Tata DoCoMo, Reliance Communications and Idea Cellular — have sought additional wireless spectrum to support their increasing subscriber base.

The companies have moved the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), seeking an additional total of 1.8 MHz spectrum. While Tata DoCoMo has sought additional spectrum for all 10 circles (where it has launched GSM services), RCom has sought it for a few circles and Idea Cellular for two circles, a DoT official said.

If allocated, the companies will have 6.2 MHz spectrum across these circles, as DoT had earlier provided start-up spectrum of 4.4 MHz. A higher frequency means the companies would be able to offer better quality services, apart from supporting additional subscriber base, they added.

All three companies were earlier provided start-up spectrum of 4.4 MHz, and for RCom and Tata DoCoMo, this was allocated under the telecom ministry’s cross-over spectrum policy. Under this, DoT permitted existing CDMA operators to launch GSM services in the country.

When asked, spokespersons of RCom and Tata DoCoMo declined to comment, while an Idea Cellular spokesperson confirmed the development and added that the company had sought additional spectrum for Mumbai and Bihar circles.

Tata DoCoMo, a joint venture between Japan telecom major NTT DoCoMo and the Tata group, has licence to offer GSM services across all 22 circles in the country.

Under present regulations, 4.4 MHz or start-up spectrum is offered along with approval of a Universal Service Access Licence to an operator. To get more spectrum, companies have to attain a specified number of subscribers, which differs from circle to circle.

For Tata DoCoMo, subscriber additions came in from its spate of competitive rate plans, like one-second billing and billing per call. Similarly for RCom, additions came in from a slew of schemes, including the recently launched 50 paise per call, while Idea Cellular has roped in subscribers based on its customer services and a robust network.