Get ready for 3G services, number portability

Steering India towards a new level of wireless telephony, the government on Monday announced immediate release of spectrum for 'third generation' (3G) mobile services and allowed users to switch operators while retaining the cell phone numbers.

"The government has decided to release 3G spectrum in 2.1 ghz band with immediate effect," Communications Minister A Raja said.

Number portability, which would allow users to change their service provider while keeping the numbers unchanged, will be introduced in the four metropolitan cities at the earliest.

The department of telecommunications secretary D S Mathur said about 30 mhz spectrum can be released to accommodate three players in the first phase.

Asked whether only existing 2G players will be allowed to offer 3G services, Raja said: "No, I want healthy competition, I want all the players to bid for it. As far as foreign players are concerned, they will be allowed subject to security clearances by Ministry of Home Affairs."

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