TRAI now sets eyes on 4G services
21 May 2010
Buoyed by the unexpected success of the 3G spectrum auction, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said on Thursday it plans to bring out recommendations on fourth generation (4G) technology or ultra-broadband by the end of the year.
TRAI chairman J S Sarma said the regulatory body plans to bring out a consultation paper on the 4G in the next two-three months. "Before the year-end we should be ready with recommendations on 4G," he added.
The 4G services are a successor to 3G and 2G standards, providing a wide range of data and internet access to mobile as well as stationary users at gigabit-speed.
Concerned by the slow uptake of broadband services, TRAI also plans to bring the consolation paper on pan-India broadband soon. "We want to give the recommendations on a national broadband plan by July," he said.
On 4G, TRAI would look into the various aspects, including spectrum to be allotted and the quantum and mode of allotment to operators. A number of foreign players like the US-based Motorola and Ericsson have already started testing the 4G technology in various parts of the world.