India to allow mobile virtual network operators

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Indian Government on wednesday said that it had accepted Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) proposal to allow companies to offer mobile phone services without owning network infrastructure or spectrum.

The government decision would pave the way for foreign and Indian companies to set up mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) in India which can roll out wireless telecom services by renting spectrum and networks from existing telecom companies.

TRAI had submitted its proposal in this regard in August 2008.

A statement from the ministry of communications and IT said detailed guidelines for MVNOs would be issued by the Department of Telecom (DoT) after receiving responses from the TRAI on some queries.

Source: India PR Wire