I&B and DOT fights over spectrum

March 14, 2011

Source: PTI

By: Media Mughals

The Information & Broadcast ministry(I&B) and the Department Of Telecom(DOT) are on a rift over allocation of 700 Mhz band of spectrum with both claiming their right on it. The former claims that the spectrum in 700 Mhz is reserved for pubcaster Doordarshan(DD) whereas, the latter denies such claims by saying that the spectrum was required for expansion of mobile (IMT) and broadband wireless services (BWA).

This particular band is expected to earn more government revenues in comparison to what it earned in the auction of 3G spectrum last year. The DoT officials had their own views as they said that, a Wireless Operating License(WOL) had to be obtained to use spectrum, which Doordarshan had never obtained.

The I&B ministry in its recent communication to the DoT has said that DD has 40 Mhz frequency assignment for mobile video link and 8 Mhz for digital transmission in four metros. It has asked for 96 Mhz of spectrum in UHF band 5 to start mobile TV service which is between 582 to 806 Mhz frequency. It has cited that UHF Band 5 is for broadcasting services.

The frequency band of 700 Mhz is in high demand by players in broadcast and mobile industry. This band requires less number of base stations to deliver service in comparison to what is required in higher frequency bands of 800, 900, 1800 and 2100 Mhz.