LTE Rollout Obligations of 2300 MHz Spectrum – DoT Publishes Test Procedure

4G LTE Network Test ProcedureThe Department of Telecommunications has come up with a test procedure for rollout obligations of BWA spectrum. In May 2010, Airtel, Aircel, Qualcomm (acquired by Airtel), Tikona, Reliance Jio, and Augere were successful bidders for BWA spectrum.

The effective date for rollout obligations is the later of the spectrum or the UAS/ISP-A license allotment, thus starting August 31, 2015. If the licensee does not achieve its rollout obligations, its spectrum assignment shall be withdrawn. Earlier COAI and Service Providers had written to the DoT to grant a 5 year extension however the DoT notification has no mention of timeline which means the deadline published in Notice inviting Application at the time of Spectrum Auction holds good.

Metro areas: The operator is required to provide street-level coverage in at least 60% of the service area.
Category A, B, and C service areas: Operators must provide coverage to at least 50% of the rural short distance charging area

Test Procedure:
Testing methods involve measurement of signal strength and throughput to download 10MB files. Number of data download samples where throughput is > 512 kbps out of the total number of data download samples should be > 90%. LTE TDD spectrum provides high speeds and would boost data penetration along with competition.

With this notification, pressure is mounting Telecom Operators to rollout 4G LTE service to converge with the Digital India dream of Honorable Prime Minister of India.