RCOM asks for new GSM-900 spectrum allocation

News site The Hindu Business Line reports that Reliance Communications (RCOM) has asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to allocate it GSM spectrum in the more cost-effective 900MHz band instead of the 1800MHz 'start-up' frequency blocks which it has been allotted for its planned national expansion. According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, RCOM operates CDMA-based mobile and fixed-wireless services in 21 of India's 23 telecoms circles, whilst its wholly owned subsidiary Reliance Telecom offers GSM-based services in eight circles. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has sent a letter to the DoT objecting to any proposed swap of RCOM’s spectrum, saying that the operators it represents (which include Reliance Telecom), have first rights to the 900MHz band.