Mobile 3G services are expected to roll out in the country by March 2009, according to Union Communications and Information Technology Minister A Raja.
The Department of Communications and Government of India will complete auctions for 3G spectrum by the end of this month, said Raja, adding that Wi-Max auctions too would be completed by the end of January 2009.
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of the third Internet Governance Forum conference at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre here today, Raja said MTNL would launch 3G services by mid-December, while BSNL would offer the services by the middle of January.
"We have given some advance leverage to MTNL and BSNL, since they are public sector companies," Raja said.
He said that three slots would be put up for auction for 3G spectrums in each circle.
"Already, some private players have put necessary infrastructure in place to immediately launch the 3G services as and when they get the spectrum allotted," the Minister pointed out.
Once launched, the 3G services would enable Internet access on mobile phones at a greater speed.