Govt unveils Rs 1000 cr telecom spectrum project

New Delhi, Apr 19: In a major boost to the country's mobile telecom operators which would hasten the introduction of 2G and 3G services in the country, the government today announced a Rs 1000 crore project that would release an estimated 45 MHZ of spectrum.

Announcing plans about the project which will allocate state-owned spectrum facilities to all telecom stakeholders, Telecom Secretary J S Sarma said the controverial issue would be sorted out soon.

Talks are on with the Ministry of Defence for speedy implementation of the project.

Dr Sarma the government would give a new thrust to increase the rural telephone density by building more exchanges.

The ministry is also planning to announce certain tax incentives to provide relief to the telecom sector.

The announcements were made on the occassion of a day long Telephone Conference organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

UNI