Updated: 3G Auction completed after 34 days of bidding

[Greatest 55]

India's 3G spectrum auction on schedule - minister

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India will conduct the auction for 3G wireless spectrum as scheduled, Communications Minister Andimuthu Raja, said on Friday.

The auctions are slated to be conducted on Jan. 14.

(Reporting by C.J. Kuncheria and Sanjeev Choudhary; Editing by Surojit Gupta)

http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-44641720091211

[srk006 21]

The government said on Monday that it would stick to its January 2010 schedule for the auction of wireless 3G spectrum but allot airwaves only in August, further delaying the rollout of a service that has been hanging fire for over two years now.

Mobile phone firms seemed pleased with the decision because the airwaves will be given simultaneously to all four successful bidders and allow them more time to muster the resources that will be needed to roll out their networks.

Furthermore, they will be required to pay only a quarter of the bid amount this fiscal and the rest when the spectrum is allotted, telecom minister A Raja told ET, after a meeting of an inter-ministerial panel on the issue.

Under an earlier plan, telcos were required to pay the entire amount within 15 days of the completion of the auction.

Mr Raja also said the government has decided to stay with the plan of auctioning four slots of radio bandwidth, in addition to the one already allotted to state-owned telcos BSNL and MTNL.

more @ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/telecom/3G-airwaves-to-be-awarded-only-in-August/articleshow/5363739.cms

[Himanshu Singh 19]

Forget 3G before 2010 Diwali may be.

[Greatest 55]

I really am loving this...

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

We won't get 3G for atleast a year .. But we can get so many beautiful, colourful, wonderful, marvelous, excellent, note-worthy, glamorous, gracious, lovely REASONS FOR THE DELAY OF 3G

[chintan1 6]

:previous:

ROFLAMO ...... :rofl_200: good one .....yaar

[srk006 21]

With no clarity on availability of third generation (3G) mobile spectrum, the government is considering, among others, restricting the

number of private players to just two to avoid a situation where it would need to pay damages to operators.

The government had earlier announced allowing four private players in the 3G telephony space, but if it fails to allot spectrum (airwaves for transmitting data and voice) to a winning bidder then it would end up paying compensation.

Restricting the players to two is one of the options being considered, sources said.

"In case the third block is auctioned and could not be assigned, the successful bidder would seek for compensation of the investments made by them for procurement of equipment and creation of infrastructure," a source said.

According to an internal note of the Department of Telecom (DoT), in case only two blocks are put up for auction there would be no issue, as spectrum for two slots have already been released by the Defence Ministry.

An Empowered Group of Ministers, headed by the Finance Minister, had decided last month to allow four private players in the 3G space, besides BSNL/MTNL. The government expects to mop up Rs 25,000 crore from sale of 3G spectrum.

The problem is only in case when more than two blocks are auctioned and the airwaves are not vacated/released by the Defence. "There is uncertainty over the availability of spectrum...," the DoT said.

Source

[Arun 795]

3G spectrum for 3 GSM players only : DOT

01/12/2010 - 12:52

TopNews.in

Department of telecom (DoT) issued a draft notice inviting applications for the sale of 3G spectrum slots. DOT however informed that only three slots will be available for sale resulting in only three private GSM operators winning a chance to launch 3G mobile services.

BSNL and MTNL are state players with the slot in the new airwave technology leaving only enough spectrum to accommodate only three players. The winning operators will have to pay the entire amount within 15 days of the auction while 25% to paid within 5 days.

The draft Notice Inviting Application reads, "In the case of 3G auction, the Government has decided to assign by auction up to 3 blocks of 5x2 Mhz of paired in the 2.1 Ghz band in each of the 22 circles." The Spectrum will be awarded immediately however the operators will be able to use it by September 1, 2010 having made arrangements for equipments and network tests.

All spectrums will not be available at the same time thus the plan to award the third spectrum later in august is being considered. However the Empowered Group of Ministers are unlikely to accept this arrangement.

The communication ministry earlier planned four slot auctions as the armed forces had agreed to vacate 3G spectrum as per mutually agreed time frames however the DOT draft later said "The armed forces have failed to adhere to an MoU between the communications and defense ministries earlier this year, where they had agreed to vacate 10 MHz of airwaves prior tothe auction.

" DOT will release the final version of NIA this week after its ratification by the Communication Ministry. The final date for applications is January 25 with mock auctions scheduled for February 9-10 and final auction is set to be on February 12. As for CDMA operators the draft notice for inviting applications said that the auction will be for only one player per circle while the auction is not to take place in six circles including Delhi, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab & Maharashtra. Only three existing players, Tata Teleservices, Sistema Shyam and Reliance Communications are eligible for the auction in the segment.

[::Hitesh:: 1,763]

^^^

:NOTriste:

only 3 operators :Confuso:

So no 3G for every !

[FEVIN-RAJ 61]

Delay again ...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

news

Govt may again delay auction of telecom spectrum

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/telecom/Govt-may-again-delay-auction-of-telecom-spectrum/articleshow/5437788.cms

[rahulmalik_81 1]

in my opinion govt. should altogether abolish 3g and should go for 4g

that way we would be ahead of the whole world and everybody will know what india is capable of.

[Greatest 55]

^^^ bhai mere... aisa mat bolo... the govt still does not have any idea about the 3g auctions, do not divert their mind and ask them to bring 4g, otherwise we might have to wait for infinity for any technology upgradation...

[SUDYEcaZ 67]

^^^ bhai mere... aisa mat bolo... the govt still does not have any idea about the 3g auctions, do not divert their mind and ask them to bring 4g, otherwise we might have to wait for infinity for any technology upgradation...

Why are v all waiting for 3G ???

As government is only giving away 3-4 slots of spectrum,

for more than 10 players are available in India...

I expect spectrum to cost each player somewhere around 10,000 crore for a national license

plus equipment cost for all the old players like voda and airtel if they start giving 3G services

This is a huge onetime cost, almost equal to setting up a pan India 2G network...

Who going to pay this much price??

v consumer...

we are going back to starting of mobile services in India, when operators were asked to give heavy one time entry fees which resulted in call rates of 32 and 16 rs per min

When operators are asked to shell large amount, service is going to be costly

resulting less usage of 3G...and slow implementation and future investment

how many really need, video call, video chat???

for data...EvOD will give competition to all 3G GSM players....

[rahulmalik_81 1]

^^^ bhai mere... aisa mat bolo... the govt still does not have any idea about the 3g auctions, do not divert their mind and ask them to bring 4g, otherwise we might have to wait for infinity for any technology upgradation...

Why are v all waiting for 3G ???

As government is only giving away 3-4 slots of spectrum,

for more than 10 players are available in India...

I expect spectrum to cost each player somewhere around 10,000 crore for a national license

plus equipment cost for all the old players like voda and airtel if they start giving 3G services

This is a huge onetime cost, almost equal to setting up a pan India 2G network...

Who going to pay this much price??

v consumer...

we are going back to starting of mobile services in India, when operators were asked to give heavy one time entry fees which resulted in call rates of 32 and 16 rs per min

When operators are asked to shell large amount, service is going to be costly

resulting less usage of 3G...and slow implementation and future investment

how many really need, video call, video chat???

for data...EvOD will give competition to all 3G GSM players....

govt is giving 3-4 slots for 3g spectrum but the operators have formed a cartel where 1-2 players will bid actively and others will waithdraw after some active bidding

voda,airtel,reliance are all 3g ready(equipment wise)

i also agree with you EVDO will give 3g their run for money.

[savramesh 37]

Foreign cos can't bid for 3G in CDMA space

NEW DELHI: Foreign participation in the upcoming 3G auctions, if any, will be restricted to the GSM space only, the communications ministry has decided. This implies, new entrants from abroad cannot bid for third generation airwaves for CDMA and launch services here.Analysts say this marks yet another attempt by the department of telecom (DoT) to twist policy to ensure that foreign players are kept out of the upcoming auctions.

In the case of CDMA operators, both second generation (2G) and 3G services are offered using the same airwaves or spectrum — therefore, allowing international players to participate in the upcoming auctions could have possibly allowed new entrants to launch full-fledged CDMA services using their 3G airwaves they secure in the auction.

On the other hand, allowing international operators to participate in the 3G auctions for GSM telcos possess no risk as they cannot launch mobile operations in India with only standalone 3G airwaves.

Currently, all mobile services in India, except select services provided by BSNL and MTNL, are offered using 2G airwaves, which so far had been given to operators based on their subscriber numbers. 3G radio frequencies, which will be allotted through an auction process, will allow telcos to offer high end services such as videoconferencing, high-speed internet, ultra-fast downloads and interactive gaming amongst other data services on the mobile.

But, the communications ministry in its defence has said that foreign operators are not being allowed to bid for 3G spectrums in the CDMA space due to the scarcity of airwaves for this technological platform. In a DoT internal note, which will be included in the Notice Inviting Application (NIA), which will be released soon, the communications ministry said: “Only existing licensees offering CDMA services will be eligible to bid.

Several operators have raised query as to why eligibility is restricted to existing UASL (licence holders). This is because, this spectrum is being provided as 3G growth path for CDMA operators. This has been approved by the ministry of communications and IT earlier.”

With the defence forces yet to vacate additional airwaves, the DoT is left with limited 3G spectrum for the upcoming auctions. The draft (NIA) states that the 3G auctions in the CDMA space will be limited to a only one player per circle, while also adding that this sale of airwaves will not be held in six circles-Delhi, Mumbai, AP, Rajasthan, Punjab & Maharashtra — as the DoT does not have CDMA airwaves in these circles for the auction process.

In another key decision, the DoT has also decided that companies who are successful in the WiMAX spectrum auctions can provide voice services too and challenge existing telecom companies. As per the earlier norms, WiMAX spectrum was to be used only for providing data services.

So far, the communications ministry has been unable to issue the notice inviting applications (NIA) for the auction of 3G airwaves, as this issue of number of slots to be auctioned as well as the payment timelines are yet to be resolved. As per the earlier timeline, the DoT was slated to issue to notice on December 8. The NIA will be a legally binding document providing all details regarding the sale of airwaves including the exact availability of 3G spectrum in each circle.

3G services were originally scheduled to be launched in India in 2007, but have been repeatedly delayed amid troubles over freeing up spectrum and setting bid prices. First launched in Japan in May 2001, the services are available in over 90 countries.

While foreign companies can bid for 3G spectrums in GSM, executives with international telcos during earlier interactions with ET had pointed out that the current 3G policy is skewed against new entrants and it does not make a ‘business case’ for them to participate in the upcoming sale of radio frequencies’.

International players that do not have operations in India have complained that while new 3G players will have to pay $410 million to obtain a licence to provide wireless and wireline services, they won’t get the start-up 2G spectrum that is required to provide traditional voice and data services.

So far, the Universal Access Service licence, which costs Rs 1,651 crore, came bundled with start-up 2G spectrum. 3G winners are mandated to take UAS licences without any guarantee of 2G spectrum, implying that the that can lead to a $400-million loss. Besides, no new operator can launch 3G services with a mere 5 MHz of spectrum on auction. “If the government was serious on foreign participation, they should have allowed these companies to bid for multiple slots,” BK Syngal, senior principal, Dua Consulting, and former chairman of VSNL had earlier told ET.

[ravi_patent 28]

well the never happening 3g auction , will keep on twisting rules..this seems to be latest

Edited January 15, 2010 by ravi_patent

[rahulmalik_81 1]

Foreign cos can't bid for 3G in CDMA space

NEW DELHI: Foreign participation in the upcoming 3G auctions, if any, will be restricted to the GSM space only, the communications ministry has decided. This implies, new entrants from abroad cannot bid for third generation airwaves for CDMA and launch services here.Analysts say this marks yet another attempt by the department of telecom (DoT) to twist policy to ensure that foreign players are kept out of the upcoming auctions.

In the case of CDMA operators, both second generation (2G) and 3G services are offered using the same airwaves or spectrum — therefore, allowing international players to participate in the upcoming auctions could have possibly allowed new entrants to launch full-fledged CDMA services using their 3G airwaves they secure in the auction.

On the other hand, allowing international operators to participate in the 3G auctions for GSM telcos possess no risk as they cannot launch mobile operations in India with only standalone 3G airwaves.

Currently, all mobile services in India, except select services provided by BSNL and MTNL, are offered using 2G airwaves, which so far had been given to operators based on their subscriber numbers. 3G radio frequencies, which will be allotted through an auction process, will allow telcos to offer high end services such as videoconferencing, high-speed internet, ultra-fast downloads and interactive gaming amongst other data services on the mobile.

But, the communications ministry in its defence has said that foreign operators are not being allowed to bid for 3G spectrums in the CDMA space due to the scarcity of airwaves for this technological platform. In a DoT internal note, which will be included in the Notice Inviting Application (NIA), which will be released soon, the communications ministry said: “Only existing licensees offering CDMA services will be eligible to bid.

Several operators have raised query as to why eligibility is restricted to existing UASL (licence holders). This is because, this spectrum is being provided as 3G growth path for CDMA operators. This has been approved by the ministry of communications and IT earlier.”

With the defence forces yet to vacate additional airwaves, the DoT is left with limited 3G spectrum for the upcoming auctions. The draft (NIA) states that the 3G auctions in the CDMA space will be limited to a only one player per circle, while also adding that this sale of airwaves will not be held in six circles-Delhi, Mumbai, AP, Rajasthan, Punjab & Maharashtra — as the DoT does not have CDMA airwaves in these circles for the auction process.

In another key decision, the DoT has also decided that companies who are successful in the WiMAX spectrum auctions can provide voice services too and challenge existing telecom companies. As per the earlier norms, WiMAX spectrum was to be used only for providing data services.

So far, the communications ministry has been unable to issue the notice inviting applications (NIA) for the auction of 3G airwaves, as this issue of number of slots to be auctioned as well as the payment timelines are yet to be resolved. As per the earlier timeline, the DoT was slated to issue to notice on December 8. The NIA will be a legally binding document providing all details regarding the sale of airwaves including the exact availability of 3G spectrum in each circle.

3G services were originally scheduled to be launched in India in 2007, but have been repeatedly delayed amid troubles over freeing up spectrum and setting bid prices. First launched in Japan in May 2001, the services are available in over 90 countries.

While foreign companies can bid for 3G spectrums in GSM, executives with international telcos during earlier interactions with ET had pointed out that the current 3G policy is skewed against new entrants and it does not make a ‘business case’ for them to participate in the upcoming sale of radio frequencies’.

International players that do not have operations in India have complained that while new 3G players will have to pay $410 million to obtain a licence to provide wireless and wireline services, they won’t get the start-up 2G spectrum that is required to provide traditional voice and data services.

So far, the Universal Access Service licence, which costs Rs 1,651 crore, came bundled with start-up 2G spectrum. 3G winners are mandated to take UAS licences without any guarantee of 2G spectrum, implying that the that can lead to a $400-million loss. Besides, no new operator can launch 3G services with a mere 5 MHz of spectrum on auction. “If the government was serious on foreign participation, they should have allowed these companies to bid for multiple slots,” BK Syngal, senior principal, Dua Consulting, and former chairman of VSNL had earlier told ET.

plz correct me if i am wrong but how 3g can be growth path for CDMA coz in CDMA, 3g is equalivant to EVDO rev(a)

also can we get video calling in CDMA also?

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

Seems like 3G will come just 5 weeks before the implementation of MNP :rofl_200:

That is

3G = MNP - 5

MNP not going to come, so MNP = INFINITY

3G = INFINITY - 5 =====> which is also INFINITY

3G = INFINITY ====> Means 3G will come , But won't Come ... Varum, aanaa Varaathu..

Edited January 16, 2010 by kanagadeepan

[Greatest 55]

^^^

[me_saket 73]

Seems like 3G will come just 5 weeks before the implementation of MNP :rofl_200:

That is

3G = MNP - 5

MNP not going to come, so MNP = INFINITY

3G = INFINITY - 5 =====> which is also INFINITY

3G = INFINITY ====> Means 3G will come , But won't Come ... Varum, aanaa Varaathu..

100% correct

do want statment from me, written on stamp paper.

that " 3G=infinity"

[Mufaddal 678]

Seems like 3G will come just 5 weeks before the implementation of MNP :rofl_200:

That is

3G = MNP - 5

MNP not going to come, so MNP = INFINITY

3G = INFINITY - 5 =====> which is also INFINITY

3G = INFINITY ====> Means 3G will come , But won't Come ... Varum, aanaa Varaathu..

:Contento:

[srk006 21]

lol.. nice 

let's move this thread to "humour" section.  

[::Hitesh:: 1,763]

@kanagadeepan

:rofl_200: my stomach is paining now, kanagadeepan baba ki jai !!!!

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

Thanks Friends...

Like MNP, we should not take 3G seriously ... In that way atleast 3G helps in time passing online...

[savramesh 37]

Questions over 3G auction surrounded Raja at BSNL's 3G service launch in Ooty

Telecommunication and Information Technology Minster A. Raja was surrounded by questions in regard to the upcoming auction of spectrum for third generation services (3G) in the sub-continent.

On the sidelines of the launch of 3G services of the state-run telecom service provider, BSNL in the city of Coimbatore (Ooty), Minster A. Raja mentioned that the much-awaited 3G auction is expected to ring in at least Rs 25,000 crore of revenues for the government from private bidders.

The auction of the spectrum for 3G services for the private players is to take place by February end. While, he also mentioned that the aforementioned amount of revenues will be accepted by the private bidders as a one-time payment.

One being asked about the probability of 4G technology to spoil the party for 3G, Raja said that the launch of 4G services in India is still in the nascent stage and is witnessing certain technological problems. Also, 4G would not hamper sale of 3G spectrum and both technologies could co-exist.

Raja also mentioned that efforts are on to bring in technology that would allow 2G sim card holders to use the services as well.

Edited January 24, 2010 by savramesh