The union government has constituted a group of ministers (GoM) led by the external affairs minister, Pranab Mukherjee, to look into 3G spectrum auctions. The differences between the IT and communications and finance ministries over the floor price for 3G spectrum and the number of players to be allowed to offer services in each circle, coupled with the fact that there are several pending court cases over the country’s 3G policy, has led to the issue being referred to the GoM. However, according to most telecom operators, the move is a mere formality ?? the GoM cannot take any major decision since the model code of conduct for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is already in place.
