DoT to delay 3G spectrum auction

New Delhi, Dec 29: Reports suggest that the Department of Telecom (DoT) would postpone the much awaited 3G spectrum auction which was scheduled for Jan 6 atleast for few weeks. This move from DoT came as it did not receive approval from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on vital proposals relating to the services.

DoT's this decision is likely to delay the start of high-end mobile services like high-speed wireless internet. Officials of DoT said that the issue was discussed in the Telecom Commission meet on Dec 19. The decision to seek Cabinet approval was taken as a precaution in view of the allegations during the allocations of 2G spectrum and new licences in Jan this year.

Meanwhile the sources said that if the approval from Cabinet is delayed beyond 2009, then the entire process of 3G spectrum aution may be derailed as the government may get in to general election mode. The Lok Sabha polls are likely to happen in April-May 2009.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)