Decision on 3G spectrum in Q1 '06: Maran

NEW DELHI: The government of India is likely to take a decision on 3G spectrum early next year.

“The decision on 3G spectrum is expected to be taken by first quarter of 2006,” said Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran.

Speaking on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit, he added, “We welcome more players in 3G, but the quality and the price at which services would be provided should be competitive, as it is a value-added service.”

He further said, “3G is not a replacement of 2G. Even when 3G comes into India, investment in 2G would still continue.”

Speaking on the issue of unbundling the last mile, Maran opined, “Government will not go for unbundling the last mile. I am very happy with the broadband progress and see no necessity for unbundling the last mile.”

He also stressed on the need for provision of more content.

“Price of broadband and PCs have gone down but there is no content to be accessed through these. We have to make sure that it is available,” he said.

He further informed that the new telecom policy would be out next year. “IndiaOne is also happening and we have removed almost all barriers for its rollout,” he added.