Global telecom firms that have missed the Indian market have reasons to rejoice. As per the new 3G policy, which the government will announce later this week, would allow global players to offer not only 3G services but also 2G and other telecom services if they acquire spectrum through the auction process.
This means a company like AT&T, which applied for a 2G licence last October, can provide the same service if it is successful in the 3G spectrum bid.
According to department of telecommunications (DoT) officials, this change in policy has been done to obviate legal hurdles. Earlier, the government was considering restraining the new 3G licencees from providing 2G services.
However, the companies would have to pay a higher reserve price of Rs 2,260 crore to bid for 3G spectrum with a pan-India licence.