PM clears air over 3G spectrum auction; bidding shortly

New Delhi, Dec 4 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh Friday cleared the cloud of uncertainty over the auction
of 3G licences, saying air waves for starting the third
generation telephony service would be sold shortly at market
determined prices.

"I am happy that auction of spectrum for 3G and broadband
wireless services will be conducted shortly. In a reform
initiative, the government has decided that this spectrum will
be allocated at market determined prices rather than
administered one," he said at a telecom conference here.
Auction of 3G spectrum (air waves) is slated to commence
on January 14, but has been plagued by differences between
Defence and Telecom Ministries over vacation of spectrum for
civilian use.
He also predicted that India, which already has nearly 488
million mobile users and adds about 15-16 million users a
month, could witness robust growth in the sector given the
fact that the economic downturn is showing signs of
moderation. MORE PTI ANA
MYR


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