Continuity the key for Raja; 3G services top priority

Continuity of policies initiated in his previous term and early commencement of next generation (3G) mobile services will hold Communication and IT Minister A Raja's attention in the days to come.     

The focus will be on starting 3G services at the earliest. "By the end of this year, process for acutioning 3G spectrum (radio frequency) would be completed," he said after assuming office along with his junior ministerial colleagues Sachin Pilot and Gurdas Kamat.     

3G allows users access to high-speed data and voice services. State-run BSNL and MTNL are the only two operators to offer this next generation service in the country, while private players are awaiting spectrum to be apportioned.     

He said he would look for clarity on issues such as whether a Group of Ministers that looked into 3G spectrum auction would continue to review the matter or would it now go to the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs. "Two months after that, the auction process will start," Raja said.     

He also said that Mobile Number Portability, which would allow users to switch operators withough changing numbers, will begin in October.     

"By and large the effort would be to continue with policies initiated in the last tenure (of UPA)," Raja said, hoping that mobile tariffs too would come down drastically once new operators start service.     

The Minister said focus would also be on IT sector, like taking e-governance to Taluk level.