MOSCOW-Sonic Duo, which has the third GSM license in Moscow, finally received Extended GSM (E-GSM) frequencies for test trials, which opens a way for the start of a full commercial operation in the metropolitan area of the Russian capital.
Sonic Duo postponed the commercial launch of its network for the third quarter of 2001 because of the absence of frequencies. However in early July, the carrier received some frequencies in the 890-915 MHz and 935-960 MHz spectrum bands, which will allow it to launch 11 base stations. Later in July, the Russian State Commission for Radio Frequencies (GKRCh) allowed Sonic Duo to use E-GSM 880-890 MHz and 925-935 MHz spectrum for test trials.
However, GKRCh said Sonic Duo had to resolve jamming problems it posed for operating carriers. “To exclude jamming … the carrier has to take all organizational and technical measures, up to compensation of expenses for the transfer of existing operators to other frequency bands, a change in the regime of their operation or reassignment of frequencies,” the commission said. It added that it would pass the final decision on providing E-GSM frequencies to Sonic Duo depending on the results of the tests.
But wireless market experts are sure Sonic Duo will keep the frequencies regardless of tests results. “If they get the frequencies, they will not abandon them anyway, as it usually happens,” said Anton Pogrebinsky from J’Son & Partners telecom consultancy in Moscow.
Unhidden optimism from Sonic Duo Director General Alexander Yesikov indirectly confirmed that prediction. “The use of E-GSM as an addition to 1800 MHz frequencies and to the basic 900 MHz band allows Sonic Duo to make some 200 base stations ready for operation in the near future,” he said.
