Reliance Communications applies for GSM spectrum in four more circles

Reliance Communications applies for GSM spectrum in four more circles

Reliance Communications is continuing to give out more signals that they are serious about their full-blown entry into the GSM market. The Indian telecom company has now applied for GSM spectrum in Chennai, Uttar Pradesh (east and west) and Jammu and Kashmir circles.

The application for this was sent to the wireless planning and coordination wing of the department of telecommunications (DoT).

Reliance has already asked for GSM spectrum in major markets including the Delhi and Mumbai circles. DoT has said that the latest application for newer circles has been made under RCL’s unified access service license and they have informed the company to provide them with a detailed plan.

Reliance is already the dominating player in the CDMA based mobile services market in India and have shown interest in moving to the GSM arena as the company believes that the royalty fees charged by Qualcomm is hindering growth in CDMA mobile segment. Qualcomm has refused to slash their fees saying that it is already too low.

Qualcomm however is scheduled to meet this July 19 to discuss the royalty issue for CDMA operators in the Indian market. Head of Qualcomm’s India operations, Kanwalinder Singh is rumored to be visiting company’s headquarters for this meeting.