According to the latest update on 3G spectrum auctions, airwaves will be auctioned for three slots across the country and the auction process will not be delayed beyond January 14, 2009. This decision follows the resolution of the issue between the ministries of communications and IT and defence over the 25 MHz spectrum that the defence department was to release for commercial telephony.
The prime minister’s adviser on infrastructure, Sam Pitroda, has persuaded the defence forces to release adequate spectrum before the auctions by committing that an alternative optic fibre network will be fast-tracked for them. The union cabinet has approved a Rs 100 billion project for constructing an alternative optic fibre cable (OFC) communications network for the defence services, thus clearing the way for 3G auctions in January 2010.
