Union Minister for Communication and Information Technology Shri A Raja informed Mr Shantaram Naik in a written reply that BSNL is providing 3G facilities in 100 cities in the country besides, the facility is being provided by Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in Delhi and Mumbai areas. The 3G (3rd generation) mobile telecommunications is the generic name for the next generation of mobile networks that combines wireless mobile technology with high data rate transmission capabilities. The 3G network is capable of providing higher data rates upto 2 Mbps and supporting a variety of services such as high-resolution video and multi media services in addition to voice, fax and conventional data services, Minister said
3G facilities are provided to the public after due verification of identity and address proof documents. BSNL and MTNL offer tariff plans for both prepaid and postpaid connections, Shri Raja said. One spectrum block of 5 MHz has been allocated to the MTNL (Delhi & Mumbai) and BSNL in all other 20 service areas, Minister said.
3G spectrum would be allocated to private operators on the basis of an auction which will determine the price to be paid by the buyers. BSNL and MTNL will not participate in auction but will pay the matching price of successful bidder, Minister clarified in his written reply. In a statement issued today from New Delhi, Mr Naik states that 100 cities mostly cover northern India, and that, western India, including Goa will get 3G facilities very soon.
