3G Mobile Services are here!

3G Mobile Services are here!

Techtree News Staff, Nov 15, 2007 1337 hrs IST

3G is the generic name for the next generation of mobile networks that will combine wireless mobile technology with high data rate transmission capabilities.

Just as Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has arrived, third generation or 3G mobile services have also hit Indian shores.

The government has announced the release of 3G mobile services that offer consumers additional value added services.

3G is the generic name for the next generation of mobile networks that will combine wireless mobile technology with high data rate transmission capabilities.

3G spectrum will be permitted in the 2.1 GHz band. The network will provide mobile users with higher data rates, and support a variety of services such as high-resolution video streaming, high-speed interactive gaming, and other multi-media features in addition to voice, fax, and conventional data services.

A controlled, simultaneous ascending e-auction will be held by a specialized agency to grant 3G licenses to mobile operators. This will help ensure transparency in the selection process.

All players will be allowed to bid for the spectrum. Earlier, in September 2006, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had recommended that only licensed operators should be allowed to participate in the auction.

Meanwhile, foreign players will also be allowed to bid, provided they get security clearances from the Home Ministry. The possibility however, cannot be ruled out, of an initial offer of spectrum to only three players by the Department of Telecom (DoT).