The telecom regulator’s plans to make available more spectrum for cordless phones has hit a block. The Defence forces have declined to vacate spectrum in the band suggested by the TRAI for use by cordless phones.

TRAI had suggested de-licensing of 20 MHz of airwaves in the 1,880-1,900 MHz band, which is currently being used by the Defence forces, and allowing inter-building cordless communication services for non-commercial use.

In its recommendations in October last year, TRAI had also proposed that permission from the DoT or wireless planning wing be sought for allowing the inter-building private service.

While the DoT itself had express reservation against this proposal, the rejection by the Defence forces puts the final nail.

Cordless phones were originally designed to provide a low-cost low mobility wireless connection to the traditional fixed line phones, i.e. a short wireless link to replace the cord connecting a telephone base unit and its handset.

With the advancement of technology, digital cordless telecommunication systems are now providing terminal mobility in residential or business applications where the users can originate and receive calls on their portable terminals as they change locations and move about the coverage area at pedestrian speeds.

By their reduced functionality, cordless telephone systems are able to offer lower complexity and cost than their cellular counterparts.

Cellular communication systems are designed to provide wireless communications to larger user communities over wide areas and to support highly mobile terminals. In contrast, cordless systems are aimed at providing wireless communications to smaller user communities.

Currently, cordless phones use a higher frequency band of 2.4 GHz. However, this band is already being used for multiple usage, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth applications and microwave ovens.

According to TRAI, this could cause interference in the use of cordless phones and therefore it proposed to earmark the 1900 MHz band.

“The authority is of the view that the spectrum band 1880-1900 MHz is presently not being used for any revenue generating commercial services. It will also lead to the proliferation of the wireless network in the areas where there is at present no mobile coverage or insufficient coverage. In fact, it shall be complementary to the mobile services. Further, the private use of CTS technology cannot take off, unless its use is de-licenced,” the TRAI had said while justifying its recommendations.

>thomas.thomas@thehindu.co.in

Related Topics