War between GSM and CDMA operators over spectrum for 3G services has acquired a third dimension with the entry of a new claimant for the frequency. WiMAX group has claimed its stake on 3G spectrum. GSM operators are now lobbying with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) officials to keep WiMAX away from 3G spectrum. DoT is presently working on a spectrum policy for 3G and WiMAX services. Sources said that the draft policy would be ready by next month.

WiMAX is a new technology that enables broadband access at a download speed of up to 75 Mbps through wireless. It is used for fixed line and mobile communications. Leading international giants including Nortel, Intel and Motorola are among the developers of WiMAX. In most countries the technology is in a pilot stage — South Korea is the only country where it has been commercially launched.

Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said that if WiMAX players are allowed to operate in the IMT-2000 band, which the world over is reserved for 3G services, then its signals will interfere with those of GSM operators and this will have an adverse impact on the quality of services. Even though the licences for 3G are technology neutral, there should not be any interference between two technologies, according to COAI.

In a letter to DoT, COAI has said that a thorough technical evaluation process should be carried out in full seriousness in order to ensure that the existing systems are compatible to work without any interference. The association has also quoted various international studies to prove their point. For instance, a Chinese report has said that WiMAX doesn’t meet the requirement of IMT-2000.

... contd.