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New Delhi
May 28, 2008
India aims to issue guidelines for third-generation mobile (3G) and WiMax
networks by June and will allow foreign participation in them, said Andimuthu
Raja, Telecom Minister.
“By June the guidelines will be issued for 3G and WiMax,” Raja said in a
speech at an industry conference, adding he expected the rollout of such
networks by January 2009.
3G wireless networks allow operators to transmit data, voice and video at
high speeds, enabling Internet services on mobile devices. India is eyeing 3G
network as a solution for lack of voice-centric 2G network capacity and slow
growth of broadband.
“All existing operators are ready for 3G rollout. It does not need new
infrastructure,” Raja told reporters after the speech.
When asked if foreign players would be allowed to bid for 3G spectrum, he
said, “If there is common auction, open auction, then there will be no bar.”
India allows foreign firms to own up to 74 percent in an Indian telecom firm,
and these partnerships can also start 3G services, Raja said.
“Either way foreign players will be permitted,” he said. Page(s) 1
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