“I am happy that auction of spectrum for 3G and broadband wireless services will be conducted shortly. In a reform initiative, the government has decided that spectrum will be allocated at market determined prices rather than administered one,” he said at a international telecom conference here.
Auction of 3G spectrum (airwaves) is slated to commence on January 14, but has been plagued by differences between Defence and Telecom Ministries over vacation of spectrum for civilian use.
The 3G services allow high-speed internet and video downloads on mobile phones.At present Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) offer 3G services in some parts of the country. They have been exempted from the auction process.
(Published 04 December 2009, 19:11 IST)
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