No Need For Extra Spectrum to Maintain Network Quality: COAI

New Delhi: The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said on Wednesday that no additional spectrum was required for maintaining the network stability and quality. Also Read – COAI Urges Cut in USO Fee to 3 Per Cent, Telecom Licence to 4 Per Cent

COAI Director General Rajan Mathews said over the past few days, the industry has seen flattening of traffic demand on members’ networks. Also Read – Govt should provide financial support to facilitate major 5G trials in India: COAI

The clarification comes days after the telecom operators requested the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for additional spectrum to meet the rising load on networks due to the nationwide lockdown. Also Read – Net Neutrality: Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) reaffirm their support

As streaming services and over-the-top (OTT) platforms had reduced content from high definition (HD) to standard definition (SD) and telecom operators had also taken other measures, pressure on the network had eased, he said.

“Some of these actions relate to streaming services reducing their content from HD to SD, local municipalities working with operators to bring sealed towers back on line, and some redistribution of traffic. As a result, operators believe there is no immediate need for additional spectrum,” Mathews said.

Based on the present condition of member networks, the industry body said it believed that there was no such need, and operators remained confident that the steps taken by them could maintain the relatability and quality of their networks and services.