Cabinet gives green signal to 3G spectrum swap

The Union Cabinet approved the 3G spectrum swap between the department of telecommunications (DoT) and the defence ministry. With this approval, DoT would be getting 15 MHz of spectrum in the 3G band of 2100 MHz by giving away equal amount of spectrum to the defence in the 1900 MHz band. However, in a dampener for telecom companies, the time-frame for the sale of this 15 mhz of spectrum remains undisclosed and would not take place in February. In the February auctions, the government would be putting up 800, 900, and 1800 bands for sale, along with that only 5 MHz spectrum in the 2100 MHz band would be available, which would lead to inflated bids. Nevertheless, the Centre's decision marks an end to eight-year battle between the telecom and defence ministries on what would constitute the 'defence band' as well as the swap. Of the 49 bands of spectrum or radio-waves between 3 MHz to 40 GHz band, 9 have been identified for exclusive use by the defence. In 31 other bands, different users like telecom firms, broadcasters, civil aviation and space would co-exist. Meanwhile, for the remaining 9 slots, a working group has been constituted to sort out the issues. Besides, a ‘Defence Interest Zone’ has been marked till 50 km into the Indian side from international borders, wherein spectrum will be used for telecom operations in times of peace, with defence ministry kept in the loop.