'3G be restricted to licensees': TRAI

New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Restricting the precious 3G spectrum for licensees, telecom regulator TRAI today said it is hopeful that spectrum will be allotted to telecom players through auction route and it will also get the recognition of government soon.

''We are very much hopeful that spectrum will be auctioned for the launch of next generation (3G) mobile services. Very soon it will get the recognition of the government too,'' TRAI Chairman Nripendra Misra told reporters at a workshop on spectrum management.

TRAI in its recommendations to Department of Telecom has asked on how to allocate spectrum to mobile operators for 3G services.

''3G should be restricted to licensees,'' Mr Misra added.

TRAI has suggested 2100 Mhz band for the 3G mobile services.

Mr Misra also focused on the quality of service, penetration of telecom service in rural areas, infrastructure sharing among all the players and facilitation of broadband technology.

''We have to revisit the entire approach of our recommendations and hope the vision gets completed in the next three months,'' he added.

UNI