AAI Opposes 2700-2900 MHz Spectrum Band For Telcos
Image credit X.com @AAI_Official
AAI Flags Safety Risks To Airline And Passengers
By Sanjay Singh
New Delhi, October 5: India’s Airports Regulatory body, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has opposed spectrum allocation proposal for telecom services to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for allowing the use of spectrum in the 2700-2900 MHz band for wireless broadband services.
AAI has raised concerns over possible interference between frequencies if broadband is allowed to operate in the 2700-2900 MHz band. The same could disrupt the airline services and risk the passengers’ lives, AAI has said.
The spectrum is currently used by AAI for aeronautical radio navigation service, which is crucial for aircraft landing and precision approach, as well as overall flight safety.
The opposition from AAI came in response to a proposal by ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI), which counts Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Meta, Amazon, Qualcomm, Tata Communications, among others, as its members.
In its proposal to the DoT, IAFI pitched for accommodating fixed wireless access (FWA) in the 2700-2900 MHz band, largely in those places where AAI is not operating in the band. Sources said IAFI proposed that the broadband application can co-exist in the band with AAI.
AAI, however, said the spectrum is also used to operate primary approach radar (PAR), which falls under critical systems for safety of life services as well as for defence purposes.
DoT has asked AAI to share their future expansion programme of airports and introduction of new technologies.
Besides, owing to expansion of airports in the country, the band, even if with co-existence, cannot be used for any other purpose than aeronautical radio navigation service, AAI told DoT in a recent meeting.
The discussion assumes significance as currently DOT is working to update the national frequency allocation plan (NFAP).
It may be mentioned here that DOT has asked AAI to share their future expansion programme of airports and introduction of new technologies.
The department has also asked telecom operators and other stakeholders to submit technical studies on the band for co-existence and come up with references on how this band is used internationally, an industry executive said.
Recently, DOT has also been examining the use of the 2700-2900 MHz band for FWA and enterprise applications. Officials said this is a policy matter and a decision will be taken by the government after proper evaluation.
NFAP outlines the spectrum band allocation for different services such as cellular mobile service, Wi-Fi, television broadcasting, satellites, radio navigation for aircraft and ships, defence and security communications, emergency communications, etc.
A periodic review is done to include new spectrum bands, tweak the allotted bands for other services if needed. The last review was done in year 2022. The changes on the spectrum allocation in some bands and services as per the Telecom Act.
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