would be able to plan their network accordingly. The allocation of IMT 2000 

spectrum as an extension of 2G mobile services may also give more flexibility 

to operators (both GSM and CDMA cellular operators) in network planning. 

They may also consider offering voice and low speed data services like SMS 

etc. on existing 2G frequency band and high speed data services on IMT 

2000 band. This could be only a possibility and Authority is not expressing 

any viewpoint on this. As per the information available, CDMA operators who 

do not have equipment widely available in the 1800 MHz band would have an 

expansion path. However, IMT 2000 spectrum is also the band for expansion 

worldwide for WCDMA users, which is the normal migration path for GSM 

technology. One option could be to open up this band in continuum and all the 

CMSPs / UASLs be made eligible for allocation of spectrum from either of the 

bands. Since GSM operators still have possibility of additional spectrum 

allocation in 1800 MHz band, the IMT 2000 spectrum allocation to CDMA 

operators should not completely exhaust this spectrum.  Some spectrum in 

IMT 2000 band should be reserved for allocation to GSM operators as and 

when complete spectrum in 1800MHz is allocated or even earlier for 

launching 3G services by GSM operators.  To have level playing field the 

terms and conditions of allocation of spectrum, pricing etc. will need to be 

completely technology neutral. 

The disadvantage in option a) is the possibility of using IMT 2000 Spectrum 

for offering 2G Voice and Low speed data services and therefore when high 

speed data services are required to be offered, there could be a scarcity of 

spectrum. 

In option b) since IMT 2000 spectrum is completely delinked from 2G/2.5G 

services, therefore, its availability for high speed data services is ensured.   

While considering options a) and b) it is to be kept in mind that Authority is 

already working on Unified Licensing recommendations.  Under Unified 

Licensing Regime the type of service (2G or 3G) to be offered will be as per 

choice of licensee.  If any licensee wants to offer 3G services, then he should 

get the required spectrum.  But necessary safeguards for efficient utilisation of 

spectrum should always be kept in mind.  

Another aspect to be considered is whether in our country we expand the IMT 

2000 band in line with alternatives B2 or B5 approved by WRC 2000. The 

issue involved here is the conversion of whole or part of 1710   1785 MHz 

band paired with 1805   1880 MHz band currently assigned for cellular 

services and presumably planned for 2G / 2.5 G applications. It is evident that 

whether this band or IMT 2000 band (unexpanded) are used for creating 

additional spectrum for current cellular operations in GSM 2G / 2.5G or CDMA 

operations, there would be a requirement to reach a firm agreement with the 

present users of these bands on the timely surrender of this spectrum, in 

order that the costs and time scales associated with the migration can be 

identified.  Also it is important to consider the method of award of this 

spectrum in order to provide the flexibility to introduce further data services.  A 

view will therefore have to be taken on 

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