India finally opens up spectrum for 3G mobile services

The Indian government has announced that they are now releasing spectrum for ‘third generation’ (3G) mobile services.

This comes in addition to the announcement of bringing number portability facility for mobile users starting next year.

India’s Communications Minister A Raja said in a statement: “The government has decided to release 3G spectrum in 2.1 GHz band with immediate effect.”

They are going to release about 30 MHz spectrum which would be able to handle three operators in the market initially.

Raja added on the bidding: “The 3G licenses will be granted through a controlled, simultaneous ascending e-auction, by a specialized agency to ensure transparency in selection process.”