Defence objections may shut down BSNL's WiMax
05-05-2010
BSNL's air waves interfere with Defence's mobile sat services
In a development that could potentially shut down Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd's WiMax-based broadband services, the Ministry of Defence has objected to the allocation of spectrum to the PSU. In a communication to the Department of Telecom, the Defence Ministry has said that BSNL's broadband services will cause interference to the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) being used by the armed forces.
Though currently BSNL has very few WiMax subscribers, it is in the process of procuring equipment to support millions of users over the next few years. It has targeted to get 2.5 lakh WiMax users by 2010 end. This plan is now in jeopardy BSNL has been given 20 Mhz spectrum in the 2.5 Ghz band, which is very close to the spectrum used for defence satellite communications.
"Studies carried out by the expert group constituted by DoT have indicated that unacceptable interference will be experienced by Defence MMS system due to spillover of operation of broadband wireless access equipment. The Defence downlink would be severely affected as the space-to-earth signals is very low power. The DoT is requested to desist from opening up the band for commercial services as also review the allocation made to MTNL/BSNL for roll out of BWA services" stated a letter from Ministry of Defence to the DoT. Earlier, the Department of Space (DoS) had also raised objections to the use of 2.5 Ghz band for broadband wireless access (BWA) services.
This could also have some ramification for the upcoming auction for BWA spectrum for private players. If BSNL is asked to give up the already allocated spectrum then it will have to be accommodated in another air band. The Government is planning to auction two slots in 2.3 Ghz band for private players, which could be reduced to one slot if BSNL also has to be given spectrum in this band. The other option for DoT would be to open up 3.3 Ghz band.
The WiMax Forum has been maintaining that broadband services using 2.5 Ghz band were possible by putting filters. An expert committee comprising representatives from IIT, IISc, DoS, WiMax Forum and Wireless Planning and Coordination wing has also been set up to study interference issue. The findings of the committee are not known yet. But the Ministry of Defence has clearly told DoT that the interest of defence forces can be protected only if frequency bands other than 2.5 Ghz are utilised for broadband services.
"The DoT has informed its intention to auction the spectrum space right next to the vital S band for Wimax and other next generation services. In India, this band is extensively used by DoS for satellite broadcasting and for exclusive MSS for Defence services" the letter said.
Input from the Hundu
In a development that could potentially shut down Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd's WiMax-based broadband services, the Ministry of Defence has objected to the allocation of spectrum to the PSU. In a communication to the Department of Telecom, the Defence Ministry has said that BSNL's broadband services will cause interference to the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) being used by the armed forces.
Though currently BSNL has very few WiMax subscribers, it is in the process of procuring equipment to support millions of users over the next few years. It has targeted to get 2.5 lakh WiMax users by 2010 end. This plan is now in jeopardy BSNL has been given 20 Mhz spectrum in the 2.5 Ghz band, which is very close to the spectrum used for defence satellite communications.
"Studies carried out by the expert group constituted by DoT have indicated that unacceptable interference will be experienced by Defence MMS system due to spillover of operation of broadband wireless access equipment. The Defence downlink would be severely affected as the space-to-earth signals is very low power. The DoT is requested to desist from opening up the band for commercial services as also review the allocation made to MTNL/BSNL for roll out of BWA services" stated a letter from Ministry of Defence to the DoT. Earlier, the Department of Space (DoS) had also raised objections to the use of 2.5 Ghz band for broadband wireless access (BWA) services.
This could also have some ramification for the upcoming auction for BWA spectrum for private players. If BSNL is asked to give up the already allocated spectrum then it will have to be accommodated in another air band. The Government is planning to auction two slots in 2.3 Ghz band for private players, which could be reduced to one slot if BSNL also has to be given spectrum in this band. The other option for DoT would be to open up 3.3 Ghz band.
The WiMax Forum has been maintaining that broadband services using 2.5 Ghz band were possible by putting filters. An expert committee comprising representatives from IIT, IISc, DoS, WiMax Forum and Wireless Planning and Coordination wing has also been set up to study interference issue. The findings of the committee are not known yet. But the Ministry of Defence has clearly told DoT that the interest of defence forces can be protected only if frequency bands other than 2.5 Ghz are utilised for broadband services.
"The DoT has informed its intention to auction the spectrum space right next to the vital S band for Wimax and other next generation services. In India, this band is extensively used by DoS for satellite broadcasting and for exclusive MSS for Defence services" the letter said.
Input from the Hundu
