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India likely to auction 3G spectrum by December
India's telecoms ministry has begun the process of appointing an agency to conduct a global auction for third-generation (3G) wireless spectrum and does not expect the auction to be delayed, a government spokesman said.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:51 August 16, 2008
New Delhi : India's telecoms ministry has begun the process of appointing an agency to conduct a global auction for third-generation (3G) wireless spectrum and does not expect the auction to be delayed, a government spokesman said.
The telecoms minister announced details of the auction on August 1 for services that will enable operators to provide facilities like fast Internet access, video calls, games and a host of multimedia content on cell phones.
He said he expected the auction process to be completed by December.
But newspapers said on Thursday the finance ministry had raised objections, saying it had not been consulted before the guidelines were issued, a mandatory step for government policies with fiscal implications.
"There is no question of not consulting with the finance ministry. We feel surprised that the finance ministry has raised such issues," said Akshay Rout, additional director general at the telecoms ministry
Process in motion
"The request for proposal for appointing the agency that would conduct the auction has already been issued, which should suggest to you that the rollout is in motion."
Rout, who is the authorised spokesman for the ministry, said a series of meetings had taken place between the two ministries ahead of the 3G policy announcement.
He also said, as per the finance ministry's suggestion, the telecoms ministry had deviated from the telecom regulator's proposal and had allowed foreign operators with prior experience in 3G to bid in the Indian auction process.
"We feel required consultation has taken place and if needed further consultation can take place at appropriate level."
The newspapers had cited a letter from the finance secretary to the telecoms ministry raising objections. Rout said a reply to the letter was being sent.
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