Could not find the appropriate therad so am posting it her
MTNL lauches its 3g adoo services all over delhi tomorrow
Our Bureau

New Delhi, Jan. 29 Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd is all set to launch third generation mobile services commercially on February 5 even as private operators’ roll-out plans have got further delayed following a decision by the Cabinet to refer 3G spectrum auction policy to a Group of Ministers.

“We are ready with our 3G network in Delhi. Consumers will be given connection starting February 5. We are also selling data cards. Initially, the service will be available in the New Delhi Municipal Corporation area, which will be gradually extended all the way up to Gurgaon,” Mr R.S.P. Sinha, Managing Director, MTNL, told Business Line. MTNL’s and BSNL’s plans are not affected by the delay as they were given 3G spectrum last year ahead of the private players. This will give the two PSUs at least 8-10 months lead over the private operators. The other advantage is that the two PSUs do not have to pay for the spectrum until the auction for private operators is completed.
Delayed by differences

The auction was earlier scheduled to be held today but differences between the Department of Telecom and the Finance Ministry over base price and the number of operators in each circle has delayed it.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which met on Wednesday, has referred the issue to a GoM to iron out the differences. Industry sources said with general elections scheduled to take place in three-four months, the auctions for private players may only happen towards the end of this year.

The Minister of State for Telecom and IT, Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, hoped that the auctions would take place before the UPA Government’s tenure is over. “We are looking for an early decision from the Group of Ministers,” he said.
vendors worried

But the private operators do not seem to be too concerned about the delay as neither the Cellular Operators Association of India nor any individual operator offered to comment on the development. A section of the industry had been pushing for a delay in auctions on the ground that there wasn’t enough money available to invest in acquiring spectrum and laying out a new network for 3G services.

However, telecom equipment vendors and handset makers are worried as they were expecting more sales after the introduction of 3G services. Mr Pankaj Mohindroo, President, Indian Cellular Association, said “The delay was unnecessary and it is a huge disappointment. India could lose out on the benefits of bringing in an efficient technology such as 3G.”

Meanwhile, the MTNL chief said the company is planning to offer 3G services at under Rs 1,000 a month.
Sad that Gurgaon will have to wait....They did not say anything about noida though