On August 1, 2008, India joined the elite list of countries to announce a policy for third generation mobile service that will enable customers to enjoy voice, video, data and downloading facilities on their mobile phones.
The much-awaited 3G policy would allow up to 10 players in a service area including foreign companies. India has 60 Mhz of 3G spectrum available. The auction will take place in the 2.1 Ghz band.
The government has set a base price of Rs 2,020 crore (Rs 20.20 billion) for each bid for a pan-India license. Initially, there will be three to five operators to sell the 3G services, including state-run BSNL and MTNL. The state-run telecom firms have an edge to start the 3G services earlier than others as they do not have to bid for the spectrum as they only have to match the highest bid in their respective circles.
Text: Rediff Business Desk
Image: A reporter holds the new Apple iPhone 3G at the Apple Store, Fifth Avenue, in midtown Manhattan, on July 11, 2008 in New York City. | Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images
Also read: World's 8 biggest stock exchanges
Advertisement
