DoT is considering allowing foreign operators to bid for 3G spectrum.

DoT is considering allowing foreign operators to bid for 3G spectrum. This would be a deviation from TRAI’s recommendation which states that only existing operators should be allowed to bid for 3G spectrum. According to sources, DoT has also decided to reserve one out of four slots of spectrum for either Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) or Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). Meanwhile, existing operators have warned the government against allowing foreign players to bid for 3G spectrum. According to the COAI, the existing licensees have the first right to access 2.1 GHz or 3G spectrum as and when it is made available.