IT Minister A Raja talking with media person has said that government will soon come up with policy guidelines for 3G and WiMax broadband services. Though he ruled out of any time limit for the same, some sources from IT ministry opined that it might come in one or two weeks.

 

Earlier, TRAI recommended a minimum price of Rs 60 crore to acquire spectrum through auction for offering 3G and wireless broadband services in metro cities. The recommendation also comprises a condition that besides reserve price, the operator would have to give a performance bank guarantee based on the circle.

 

Sources from ministry have divulged that the financial bids for spectrum would be invited by the end of the month of August and the process will be completed within two month then after. This will enable 3G players to start rolling out networks by the end of 2008, and working thereafter.

 

The ministry is hopeful about earning some Rs 40,000 crore through its auction of 3G spectrums. It has widely been reported that all the major players in telecom industry are interested to enter into new venture. Major players like Vodafone- Essar, Bharati Airtel, and Idea Cellular already have shown their interest.