EGoM fails to resolve issues on NIA

New Delhi, Jan 12: The Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) failed to resolve issues on the number of private operators who can be allowed to provide 3G mobile services within the government.

The meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was held in New Delhi to finalize the notice inviting applications (NIA) from potential operators to participate in the upcoming auctioning for the 3G spectrum.

While in the last meeting of EGoM, auctioning of four blocks of 3G spectrum was decided, the draft NIA document projected only three blocks.

Sources revealed that 10 MHz of spectrum have been vacated by the Defence Ministry, in addition to which five more MHz would be released by August 2010, which leaves sufficient airwaves for only three private operators besides BSNL/MTNL.

“Some of the issues were discussed at the EGoM. Still some of the issues between the Defence and DoT are yet to be resolved. The Chairman (Mukherjee) took all the views. He will decide. If necessary, another consultation will take place otherwise he will decide," Telecom Minister A. Raja told reporters after the meeting.

Raja said that the time line for the auction will not be deferred and the issues will be resolved.

“As of now it has not been pushed ... there are a number of differences... but it will be resolved," he said.

OneIndia News