Reliance Communications allowed to start GSM services in 14 circles
06 Dec 2007
Mumbai: The government today allowed Anil Ambani-led CDMA mobile phone operator Reliance Communications to start GSM-based services in 14 circles amidst the ongoing row over spectrum allocation between rival telecom operator groups.
The government also announced changes in the Unified Access Services Licence (UASL) before allowing Reliance Communications to start services under the GSM technology platform in the 14 telecom circles.
Group firm Reliance Telecom already provides GSM services in eight circles. On October 19, the company paid Rs1,651 crore to the department of telecom for an all-India licence for GSM services.
However, since the group already has presence in eight circles, it has been now given permission to start GSM operations in the remaining 14 circles.
Official sources said the changes in licensing norms to allow RCom to start GSM services is subject to availability of spectrum.
Meanwhile, Reliance Communications chairman Anil Ambani who sought surrender of extra spectrum has suggested installation of frequency-efficient technologies such as synchronised network and FemtoCells that can be used at no additional cost.
In a presentation to the department of telecommunications, Ambani listed a total of seven technologies to improve mobile network efficiency in the country.
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