Intra-government dispute may hold up WiMAX plan

The dispute between the Department of Space (DoS) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) over vacation of roadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum could delay WiMax rollout, Telecom Secretary Siddhartha Behura said on Monday.

EASY BROADBAND

What is WiMAX?
Wireless Interoperability across Microwave Access (WiMAX) is a technology that allows high speed Internet access on compatible mobile and fixed devices like laptops and mobile phones. It has two standards – IEE 802.16d and 802.16e – for fixed and mobile services respectively.

How different is it from 3G?
WiMAX is claimed to deliver up to 15 mega bits per second whereas 3G offers up to 7 mbps download speed. It uses a spectrum band different from that used for 3G.
What is the advantage?
WiMAX can cover an entire city or several villages in an Internet ‘cloud’ and promises a nomadic yet connected existence for people on the move.

The dispute between the Department of Space (DoS) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) over vacation of roadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum could delay WiMax rollout, Telecom Secretary Siddhartha Behura said on Monday.

WiMax or wireless Internet is essential for increasing broadband penetration in the country, especially in rural areas. However, its rollout could be hampered over the issue of vacation of spectrum by DoS.

“DoT is looking at two options, whether to defer the auction or issue conditional licences — meaning roll out the service as and when the spectrum is available,” Behura said.

DoS believes WiMax operations will interfere with sensitive satellite communications in adjacent spectrum bands.