Five Operators May Get To Offer 3G Services This Year

Business Standard: The department of telecommunications is preparing a strategy for the release of 3G spectrum. Based on this, the defence ministry may be required to vacate 25 MHz by the end of December 2006, and another 35 MHz by 2007-end. Telcos require a minimum of 5 MHz each to run 3G operations. Which means not all eight big cellular telcos will be able to provide 3G services this year.
However, by next year, there is likely to be enough spectrum for all. But for now, five cellcos will be selected to provide 3G. The cellular association COAI has suggested that they can be selected on the basis of their ability to cough the investment (there will be a licence fee), the cheap 3G tariffs offered and so on.
Related:
COAI offers Rs. 300 Crore For 3G; Is 3G worth it?
3G Spectrum Is Not Free For Sure; Only Quantum Of Fee Needs To Be Fixed
TRAI To Suggest 3G Fee Of Rs 425 Crore Per Circle Per Operator

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