The Scam Scarred Congress led UPA Politicians in the Government of India recommended the DoT to call for fresh Auction guidelines from the TRAI on Auction of 800MHz band Spectrum. TRAI had earlier favored the creation of EGSM band but is unlikely to happen now as 800MHz Spectrum Auction will be held simultaneously with 1800MHz and 900MHz.
What is the Battle of EGSM 3G data Band between Airtel lobby Vs Reliance CDMA Lobby ?
Let us take a minute to explain what is the EGSM Band and the issue of contention. In India, the current CDMA spectrum band is 824-844MHz/869-889MHz. The GSM 900 band is allocated between 890-915MHz / 935-960MHz. EGSM band is 880-890MHz/925-935MHz. The following Picture shows how Various Spectrum Bands are earmarked and overlaps if any.
With future looking bright for Mobile Data Services, TRAI wanted to take 10MHz (880-890) from the current CDMA band and use it for EGSM. From the TRAI document, it is evident that the band 880-890MHz is not free in any circle. Hence if EGSM is to be realised, in every circle, there should be some rearrangement.
How Can EGSM Bad be Still Carved Out ?
TRAI has proposed that BSNL/MTNL be restricted to just 1.25MHz. If Tata surrenders excess spectrum as mentioned earlier, then at least 5MHz can be auctioned in every circle and 7 circles would have 10MHz. If this materializes, then TRAI proposes to rearrange the slots held by the remaining CDMA players. Thus, the uplink for EGSM would be taken care of. The spectrum held by Defense Forces can be made to vacate with alternative arrangements. If the 900-925MHz block is auctioned as is where is, then CDMA operators will be at an advantage as they already hold self declared liberalized spectrum in the 880-889MHz band required to provide EGSM Data Services.
Let us keep our fingers crossed until the TRAI recommendations and then the DoT Telecom commission accepting or rejecting the same.