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The government has allocated a total of 127 MHzspectrum to eight entities for testing TV whitespace technology which can ensure hassle-free reception ofmobile signals inside buildings and basements.
“Government has issued eight licences for carrying out experiments at several places, using TV whitespace technology, in the frequency band 470-582 MHz,” according to written reply by minister for communications and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad in the Rajya Sabha.
TV whitespace technology utilises part of spectrum that remains unused while transmitting broadcast signals. The technology is being developed in 470-582 MHz band to utilise it for commercial mobile services.
In another development, US-based firm Apple has sought permission from the government to import pre-owned iPhones for sale in India.
“An application from Apple regarding import of certified pre-owned iPhones for sale in India and manufacturing certified pre-owned iPhones for sale in India has been received in the Ministry of Environment and Forests,” He was replying to a question on whether any company has sought permission for refurbishing and selling used mobile phones in the country.
However, the government has not taken any decision on the matter. Recently, Apple has also sent an application for approval to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) for setting up retail outlets in India. India is one of the fastest growing handset markets globally and is poised to overtake the US soon.
Mobile consumers often complain of not receiving signals when they are inside buildings or basements. However, TV whitespace is considered efficient to reach deep inside buildings. As per various studies, wifi signals can penetrate up to two walls but TV whitespace can penetrate many obstacles and provide coverage up to 10 kilometers.
Government has allocated 60 MHz spectrum to ERNET- an autonomous body under the TelecomMinistry, 20 MHz to power equipment maker BHEL, 10 MHz or less each to IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Bangalore, Tata Advanced Systems and 10 MHz to Collector and Magistrate at Amrawati, the minister said.
[“Source-business-standard”]