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TRAI's stance spells relief to foreign players
By siliconindia
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Friday, 11 July 2008, 22:20 IST
New Delhi: The chaos and controversies over opening the market of 3G technology, the third generation mobile technology to all, are expected to settle as the Department of telecommunication (DoT) has decided to allow new players for participating the 3G auction. They are now planning to go for an open global auction. The telecom Regulatory authority of India (TRAI) had earlier opposed this move as the new players would find it difficult to roll out services quickly. However they recently have changed their view and they will not block the new move of DoT to go for a global auction, reported Business Line.
3G service can give high speed data connectivity and it is enabling to bring live video, internet surfing, email and other data-heavy applications on a mobile phone.
Previously, TRAI had argued that more than 300 applications are already waiting for DoT clearance to start 3G service that might create complications when new players are invited to the 3G operation. TRAI had earlier sent a message to the Ministry of Finance and the DoT that any move to create a new license category to accommodate new operators for 3G segment could be illegal. However both the ministries are in the opinion of granting permission to all players who want to enter the 3G service.
According to an official, TRAI the DoT has followed all the procedures as laid down in the law and therefore they can go ahead with an open auction for 3G if they want to. However TRAI is looking to submit its recommendations on pricing and modalities of 3G soon.
The decision of TRAI to not block the move of DoT to go for a global auction is expected to help the foreign players as well as new domestic players to enter the Indian 3G service market. Many foreign players have already showed interest to invest in India which is the second largest mobile market in the world
