Pakistan's 3G policy gets in principle nod

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has approved in principle the 3G policy for upgradation of Pakistan's telecom sector.

Gilani accorded the approval while presiding over a meeting in which the ministry of information technology gave a presentation on recommendations of a cabinet committee on the policy, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.

Pakistan has a population of around 180 million and estimates are that there are over 90 million mobile phone users.

It was decided in the meeting that three blocks of 10 MHz (megahertz) each out of available 3G spectrums would be immediately offered for auction; existing operators could participate in this round.