DoT Considering shifting Jio's Spectrum in Maha; Prevent Interference with GMRT

According to an Indian Express report, DoT has been considering allocating a higher frequency to Reliance Jio since the telco's operations in the 850-950 MHz spectrum band in Pune has caused interference with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, or GMRT, the world’s largest radio telescope in the low-radio frequency range.

A Curious Case of Jio and GMRT

The scientists at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics had taken up the issue with the Ministry of Communications in early 2018; the DoT mistakenly awarded airwaves in the 850-950 MHz spectrum band to Reliance Jio in 2016. Since the GMRT operates in the 100 MHz to 1.5 GHz, Jio's operations have caused significant problems at the telescope. Mostly, the telco's operations corrupted the data, which meant that it was useless for any scientific research.

Basically, radio telescopes "hear" for the frequencies in the radio spectrum, just below visible spectrum. As such, Jio's operations would have resulted in the telescope picking its radio waves as well; it meant that that most of what the telescope records would be terrestrial data. Moreover, the interference has also resulted in significant data corruption.

The DoT made a mistake in the sense that the GMRT enjoys special protection around the 900 MHz spectrum for operations. As such, AK Tiwari, Member (Technology), DCC, confirmed that his office has received detailed information regarding the harmful effects of Jio’s operations on GMRT. He also said that the NCRA has sought urgent intervention from the ministry.

Tiwari told Indian Express, "technically, the DoT feels that the frequency allotted to RJIL should be shifted. Probably, we will shift the telecom operator to some higher frequency so that the cause of interference is removed".

What Can be Done?

Of course, reallocating new spectrum to Jio remains the only viable solution. However, since DoT can't reallocate Jio anything below 1.5 GHz, the ministry will decide where to reallocate Jio. However, reallocating the telco, as well as spectrum and other payments could take some time.

A DoT official told Indian Express, "every frequency auctioned comes at a certain cost. The price difference, if any, from the time of auction/allocation to the present re-allocation will have to be borne by the telecom operator".

Jio had already objected the payments with the DoT in 2018, though. Therefore, the DoT Member Finance will take up the issue first and settle the difference. Once Jio pays, DoT will begin the spectrum reallocation. Tiwari added that the DoT will close the matter "within two months".