India To Auction 3G SpectrumIndia To Auction 3G Spectrum

BANGALORE, India — The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that spectrum for 3G services be auctioned, ending speculation it may be given away free. The base price for regional licenses is $17 million maximum and lower for regions expecting less business.

Five mobile service wireless providers in India are expected to receive preferential treatment in granting of licenses. 3G licenses will be granted in the 450 MHz, 800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands.

The TRAI will pass on its recommendations for allocating 3G services to the Department of Telecommunications, with the TRAI draft expected over the next days.

India's minister for communications Dayanidhi Maran has stated that commercial 3G services will launch in India the latter half of next year. The government wants 3G services in all India towns whose population exceeds 100,000, by 2012.