India to allow overseas companies entry to 3G auctions
Published April 27th, 2007
According to a report in Reuters, picking up on stories in the local press, the Indian government plans to allow international companies to bid in its forthcoming auctions for third generation mobile licenses. India currently allows foreign shareholding of up to 74 per cent in the telecoms sector.
“We want new international players to come to India and offer their services,” said Communications and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran in the Mint daily. A year ago, he had said that 3G mobile services would be launched in India in the second half of 2007.
“The auction for 3G spectrum will be completely distinct from the existing mobile licenses and services,” he added. There are 12 operators in India, offering second generation services on both GSM and CDMA.
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