Foreign players to be allowed in 3G telecom services: Raja

New Delhi, May 23 (UNI) With the government set to announce 3G guidelines before June, it today said foreign players will be allowed to offer the services in the country.

''I am proposing to discuss this issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the modalities of working out the spectrum auction for 3G services has been referred to the Law Ministry,'' Minister for Telecommunications and IT, A Raja, told reporters on the sidelines of a conference here.

''Either way foreign players will be allowed as 74 per cent FDI is allowed in the telecom sector. Whether there is common auction or open auction, there will be no bar on foreign players,'' he added.

Mr Raja today announced that the government will issue guidelines for 3G policy in June, while the roll out will begin by December-end this year.

Telecom regulator Telecom Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended existing domestic players to participate in 3G spectrum auction.

UNI PDT/SR NS1349