ISPs call for removal of spectrum licence

Internet service providers have urged the government to de-license spectrum in order to popularise WiMax services.

WiMax (Worldwide Inter-operability of Microwave Access) is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances, with typical cell sizes of two to ten kilo meters.

"Since most of the WiMax developments are being done in the 2.3-2.5 GHz and 3.4-3.7 GHz bands, it will be proper to make enabling provisions in the national allocation plan 2005. Allocation of such systems should be based on non-exclusiveness, non-interference and non-protection," said Internet Service Providers' Association of India (ISPAI), in a letter to the wireless planning and coordination wing of the department of telecommunications.

ISPAI pointed out that "progressive steps taken by the government" with regard to Wi-Fi spectrum had led to the mushrooming of "hotspots" across the country. Therefore, the government should initiate similar steps for the growth of Wi-Max services, it added.

In August 2004, the government had de-licensed the 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz for indoor use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It then de-licensed this band for outdoor use in January 2005. The 5 GHz band and the EEGs of RFID in the 865-867 MHz were also de-licensed.

ISPs said de-licensing was necessary as WiMax had enormous potential to extend access networks, especially for broadband, to areas that were under-served or had no Internet penetration.

"We need to have enabling and facilitating frequency allocations so that India emerges both as a destination with high usage and also as a place where new technology is developed and designed," ISAPI said.