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A. Raja, the Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, has mentioned that the third generation wireless spectrum service will be rolled out in South India in November.
Raja, who addressing the media on the margins of the regional cyber security forum for Asia-Pacific, mentioned that government will be able to raise more than the expected Rs. 30,000 crore via the 3G spectrum auctioning as recession is expected to ease out December end. He added that this is feasible as the base price has been set for Rs.20,000 crore for the five telecom operators. Along with this, Rs.5,000 crore can be raised through bidding.
When asked about the anxiety of cellular operators regarding government’s change to 3G mobile service without taking any decision on 2G, allocation, he said that the two issues did not carry any relation. He added that, “The government would ensure the business of the existing operators did not stop for want of allotment of additional spectrum”.
He also added that mobile number portability will be available to the four metros by Dec 31.
He expected negotiations with trade unions of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited to go for an IPO to be concluded by January. He denied to pass any comments of Bharti-MTN deal.
