CDMA is a much more reliable service in India

How is the CDMA technology shaping up in the global market?



Globally, the CDMA technology has reached immense heights during the past

several years. At present, CDMA network has over 463 mn subscribers in over 100

countries and is growing at a fast speed. The number of CDMA operators during

the last three years has doubled to nearly 300 as compared to 150 three years

ago. So it has been a big shift in focus from just the developed market to the

developing.

Also, there are more than 100 operators in CDMA 450, which is an interesting

technology to talk about. And considering low penetration among the rural

masses, it is a good technology for India as well. The technology is based on

low frequency and can cover a very large range. It is a very cost effective

technology and is perfectly suited to India's need. In India, CDMA came eight

years later than GSM and considering that, CDMA is doing a good job.

With CDMA operators like TTSL and Reliance also ready to launch their GSM

services in India, do you think it would have a negative impact on the overall

CDMA subscriber growth in India?



Globally, most big players operate in multiple technologies. It is not

surprising that both Reliance and Tata are working in both CDMA and GSMA space.

They had the opportunity, and they grabbed it. They will rollout the services

and the market will decide which service is better for consumers. Further, call

drops do not happen in CDMA. And now with the terrible loading of GSM networks,

CDMA is a much more reliable service in India. We have slightly better rural

coverage than GSM and we are well position to leverage that. Also, once 3G

becomes operational, we certainly look to take a market share.

What are your expectations from the government over spectrum allocation?



Our stand has been consistent-spectrum allocation should be

technology-neutral. We should get equal quantum of spectrum for all the

technologies. Globally, India is the only exceptional country where spectrum is

allocated on the basis of subscriber base. Now for 3G there is a deviation,

where spectrum is going to be auctioned upfront. It should be allocated on a

neutral basis without linking subscriber base. Also, if spectrum is given in one

quantum of whatever spectrum is available in the market, it can help in better

network planning, fast rollout of services, and to remove uncertainties.

Jatinder Singh



jatinders@cybermedia.co.in