In a boost to wireless broadband players' plans, the Department of Telecom is likely to give additional spectrum channels for backhaul. The Wireless Planning & Coordination (WPC) wing has proposed to give four channels of airwaves to wireless broadband players instead of the existing norm to allocate just two channels.
The move will benefit broadband players, including Reliance Industries-backed Infotel Broadband as the additional radio frequency will enable them to offer high speed data services more efficiently. Backhaul microwave spectrum is used by operators to carry traffic between two towers and also for transmitting long-distance voice and data traffic.
WPC proposal
Sometimes operators use optical fibre cable to do this job but since cable is not available everywhere they use airwaves. This spectrum is different from the airwaves allocated for offering mobile services to consumers.
The WPC proposal comes after some of the broadband players requested for additional microwave spectrum to start services.
RIL, for example, has been allotted two channels already but will get two more channels if the WPC suggestion is accepted. Other players which won broadband spectrum in the auction held last year are Airtel, Aircel, Qualcomm, Tikona Wireless and Augere.
“Broadband wireless access operators had represented that they are not able to deploy their network for proper coverage as the allotted two microwave access carriers are inadequate. The bandwidth requirement of BWA network in comparison to 2G/3G network is higher,” said an internal DoT note.
Each microwave channel has 28 Mhz of spectrum and is capable of transmitting data at speeds of 50 Mbps, according to a DoT committee. But since fourth generation technology can offer speeds of 150Mbps, operators would need 3-4 microwave links, the committee observed.
Crucial for broadband players
Backhaul bandwidth is crucial for broadband players as they will be required to carry high amounts of data on their network.
WPC feels that by giving higher quantum of airwaves, the Government also stands to gain as the operators will have to pay higher revenue share.