The MCA granted rights of use of radio frequencies last week to 3G Telecommunications Limited for the establishment and operation of a third generation (3G) mobile communications network. This assignment is the result of a call for applications issued in 2005 for undertakings interested in obtaining right of use of this spectrum band.

Vodafone, Go Mobile and 3G Telecommunications each submitted an application to obtain one of the three available bands. As demand for spectrum matched supply, there was no need for a competitive process to be held.

However, given the vital importance of this assignment, a due diligence process was instituted for each undertaking. This was completed in the case of Vodafone and Go Mobile in August 2005, following which these undertakings were assigned spectrum.

The process of due diligence with respect to 3G Telecommunications Limited has now also been satisfactorily concluded, enabling the grant of rights of use to take place.

3G mobile technology offers faster and more efficient voice and data services as well as a vast array of new possibilities such as multimedia messaging with video clips and high-resolution pictures. 3G also permits high speed access to the Internet via either a mobile handset or a data card in a computer. Some 3G handsets can also receive streaming videos of TV transmissions. Operating a 3G network provides more economical means of handling the projected growth in demand for voice and data services.

3G Telecommunications Limited now has 60 months in which to complete its network rollout while achieving complete national coverage.

Joseph V. Tabone, chairman of the MCA, presented the licence setting out the rights and obligations associated with the spectrum assignment to 3G Telecommunications.