Editorial: The 3G Caution

I read the editorial on ‘ The 3G Caution’ ( VOICE&DATA, November 2011). I feel that the following facts are also important for 3G not taking off:

5 MHZ spectrum is very meager for data services to cater to the subscribers in a cell. In large cities, it can be only useful when there is sufficient support by ‘in-building solutions’ in big and commercial buildings and femtocells like solutions in small buildings/homes backed up by fiber. This will save outdoor spectrum to cater more people on move to get data services.

Spectrum in the GHZ band requires more infrastructure (capex) to make every BTS 3G-enabled. Why should SPS spend more on capex in a market with cut-throat competition?

Further, in rural areas, 3G in the GHZ band needs much more infrastructure due