MOSCOW—The Russian Anti-Monopoly Ministry (MAP) is going to consider on 8 April the legality of the decision of the Communications Ministry to oust U.S.-developed CDMA and AMPS carriers from the 800 MHz band by 2010. The Communications Ministry issued a corresponding order in April 2000 saying the spectrum is to be freed for a digital television technology.
However, MAP said it would consider an independent analysis of CDMA and AMPS compatibility with digital television and decide whether they can co-exist. In addition, MAP is to decide whether the order of the Communications Ministry corresponds to the law on competition, which bans authorities from limiting competition among operating companies and from creating unequal conditions for them and prohibits agreements between authorities and companies that restrict competition.
AMPS carriers have already compromised with the Communications Ministry that they will switch to GSM 1800 MHz technology, and many of them have already received the necessary licenses.
However, carriers operating CDMA technology based on the IS-95 standard failed to reach a compromise with the ministry so far. The ministry offered that they also switch to the GSM 1800 MHz technology, however, the carriers made it clear they want to preserve the current spectrum and even claimed the frequencies released by AMPS carriers.
Wireless market experts refuse to predict MAP’s decision. The CDMA Association refused comment, while the Communications Ministry said it is ready for a dialogue with the carriers on any option.
