Tata Teleservices, a leading CDMA-based mobile operator, submitted its application to the Department of Telecom for spectrum to start GSM-based mobile services .
NEW DELHI: Tata Teleservices, a leading CDMA-based mobile operator, submitted its application on Monday to the Department of Telecom for spectrum to start GSM-based mobile services across the country.
"We look forward to a level-playing field in the industry and await clarity on all aspects of this new announcement from the authorities," a TTSL spokesperson said in a statement.
The statement said it was applying under the new guidelines laid down by DoT allowing existing licencees to use spectrum and offer services in both CDMA and GSM technologies.
Tatas, who earlier exited the GSM venture Idea Cellular, is the last major CDMA player to embrace the GSM technology after the government last week allowed dual technology use by players under the unified licence.
Tatas, after getting a Letter of Intent from DoT, will have to pay about Rs 1,660 crore for spectrum. There is no need for any fresh licence. DoT sources said the company has applied for GSM spectrum for 22 circles under its Unified Access Services Licences.
Last week, DoT allowed cross-over technology under which an operator can offer both CDMA and GSM-based mobile services with the same licence after paying the entry fee of an UAS license which is about Rs 1,660 crore.
TTSL's CDMA rival Anil Ambani group firm Reliance Communications, which had applied for GSM spectrum last year, was given the Letter of Intent last week for starting pan- India GSM service. The company has also paid the required fee.
While RCoM was already offering GSM services under a different licence given to sister concern Reliance Telecom, for Tatas it will be a foray into GSM space.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}