FOR THE FORMS OF SPECTRUM let the fools contest" is probably how Alexander Pope might have reacted after observing the stalemate on spectrum allocation in the country. But Reliance Communications, which has also got license for GSM operations in the country, has plans to provide on-network calls that straddle between its CDMA and GSM technologies.

If that happens, it would benefit Reliance Communication's subscribers, who would enjoy the benefits of both the technologies without changing the service provider and would also be able to make calls at a cheaper rate. That's not enough as this move will also result in mad-rush for Reliance as the preferred service provider for new customers. The fact is that all the operators proŽvide on-network services, but Reliance will become the first company in the country to provide it across the two technologies.

Traditionally on-network calls origiŽnate and terminate on a companyfs own network, and hence are cheap as the calls do not use any other operator. The announcement to this effect is expected within a few months, as the company has already established infrastructure and the required technology is in place.
Reliance Communications provides GSM services in eight circles, Assam, Bihar, Kolkata, West Bengal, Orissa, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and the North East, besides having a pan-India presence in the CDMA segment. The company has already gained immence popularity for its highly-affordable handsets for the masses. The company also offers dirt -cheap tarrif plans to choose from and it is expected that same would be replicated with its GSM foray.