BSNL, MTNL might get preference while allocation of 3G spectrum

The Indian Department of Telecommunications has said that they are considering a proposal which would see state owned BSNL and MTNL to get preference while allocating 3G spectrum.

This would disappoint the private players in the Indian market as MTNL and BSNL would get the essential time to deploy their services first.

DoT however says that MTNL and BSNL would then have to match the price of the highest bidder.

A BSNL representative was recently quoted as saying: “We have been assured by the government that BSNL will be given priority in allocation of spectrum.”

Cellular Operators Association of India on the other hand has protested against this priority allocation plan.