CDMA is a much more reliable service in India

How is the CDMA technology shaping up in the global market?

Globally, the CDMA technology has reached immense heights during the past
several years. At present, CDMA network has over 463 mn subscribers in over 100
countries and is growing at a fast speed. The number of CDMA operators during
the last three years has doubled to nearly 300 as compared to 150 three years
ago. So it has been a big shift in focus from just the developed market to the
developing.

Also, there are more than 100 operators in CDMA 450, which is an interesting
technology to talk about. And considering low penetration among the rural
masses, it is a good technology for India as well. The technology is based on
low frequency and can cover a very large range. It is a very cost effective
technology and is perfectly suited to India's need. In India, CDMA came eight
years later than GSM and considering that, CDMA is doing a good job.

With CDMA operators like TTSL and Reliance also ready to launch their GSM
services in India, do you think it would have a negative impact on the overall
CDMA subscriber growth in India?

Globally, most big players operate in multiple technologies. It is not
surprising that both Reliance and Tata are working in both CDMA and GSMA space.
They had the opportunity, and they grabbed it. They will rollout the services
and the market will decide which service is better for consumers. Further, call
drops do not happen in CDMA. And now with the terrible loading of GSM networks,
CDMA is a much more reliable service in India. We have slightly better rural
coverage than GSM and we are well position to leverage that. Also, once 3G
becomes operational, we certainly look to take a market share.

What are your expectations from the government over spectrum allocation?

Our stand has been consistent-spectrum allocation should be
technology-neutral. We should get equal quantum of spectrum for all the
technologies. Globally, India is the only exceptional country where spectrum is
allocated on the basis of subscriber base. Now for 3G there is a deviation,
where spectrum is going to be auctioned upfront. It should be allocated on a
neutral basis without linking subscriber base. Also, if spectrum is given in one
quantum of whatever spectrum is available in the market, it can help in better
network planning, fast rollout of services, and to remove uncertainties.

Jatinder Singh

jatinders@cybermedia.co.in