MTS gets 3rd carrier in 800 MHz spectrum, plans to expand REV B Phase II network
With the allotment of the third carrier, SSTL aims to expand its next-generation CDMA REV B Phase II telecom services in the country.
Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited, which operates in India under the brand name of MTS, has confirmed receiving the 3rd carrier in the 800 MHz spectrum from the Department of Telecom.
According to SSTL, the allotment of the third block of the spectrum is a significant step as it will enable the operator to provide next-generation CDMA REV B Phase II telecom services. The Rev.B Phase II network is supposed to deliver Internet speeds up to 9.8 Mbps, competing against 3G and 4G networks on GSM.
The operator had bagged 3 carriers of 1.25MHz each in eight circles – Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, Tamil Nadu, UP (West) and West Bengal, in the March 2013 auctions.
It’s notable SSTL already offers REV B phase 2 services in Jaipur, Bhiwadi, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur in Rajasthan circle.
SSTL also confirmed it had received Unified Telecom License valid for 20 years last week, making it one of the first telcos in the country to be a part of Unified Licensing regime.
“Our long wait to get the 3rd carrier, post the spectrum auctions in March 2013 is finally over. This represents a major milestone, as it would enable SSTL to provide its customers with the next generation Rev B Phase II telecom services across all its circles. Looking ahead, our plan is to acquire at least 5 Mhz of contiguous spectrum within the 800 Mhz spectrum band,” says Dmitry Shukov, Chief Executive Officer, SSTL in a statement.