Indian government announces global 3G auction

November 13, 2015

India's telecoms minister has announced that the government has decided to release 3G spectrum for broadband wireless access. Auction has been selected for 3G spectrum. International operators hoping to bid for a 3G licence will be subject to security clearance.

In total, 30 megahertz of spectrum in the 2.1 gigahertz band will be divided up between at least three operators.

The decision will come as a set back to the local watchdog, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India. TRAI considers that the auction of 3G spectrum should be restricted to existing operators who are already providing 2G services.

The Indian government signalled in July its intention to encourage foreign investment in the country’s telecoms sector by opening up spectrum auctions to international players.