The world?s largest telecom company by revenue, Vodafone Group Plc, has offered the department of telecommunications (DoT) to have a first hand learning experience about 3G services from the company?s operations in Egypt. The development comes at a time when the DoT is in the process of formalising a policy on 3G spectrum pricing and allocation so that operators are able to provide the services in the country.
3G services entail faster download of data and visuals on mobile phones.
In a letter to the DoT secretary, Siddhartha Behura, Vodafone, chief executive office, Arun Sarin said, ?I think there would be real benefit to you and perhaps some of your colleagues to learn first hand about our 3G experiences and operations in a relevant market such as Egypt.? Sarin has highlighted that Vodafone has unparalleled experience in rolling out 3G services and would be delighted to host a fact finding visit for the government to Egypt.
DoT officials told FE that they have responded positively to Vodafone?s invitation. Officials said that 3G services would provide another impetus for all round development of people and economy of the country. Officials said that at the sidelines of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Africa 2008 event, the visiting Indian delegation would utilise Vodafone?s offer.
Vodafone was the second telecom company to be awarded a 3G licence January 2007 by Egypt?s National Telecom Regulatory Agency. The company paid a fee of $586 million for a 15-year period licence in Egypt.
In India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had in September 2006 submitted its recommendation on 3G spectrum pricing and allocation. The government last year accepted ?in-principle? the recommendations of the regulator and is in the process of fine-tuning a final policy. The 25 Mhz spectrum in 2.1 Ghz identified by DoT for 3G services is yet to be vacated by the defence forces.
