BSNL launches 3G services

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) today launched next generation 3G mobile services in the country even as the private operators are still waiting to get spectrum through auction process.

BSNL and another PSU MTNL (for Delhi and Mumbai) were given 3G spectrum last year ahead of auction for private players keeping in mind the cumbersome tendering process involved in the public sector procurement system.

For the private operators, the government has referred the issue of 3G spectrum auction to a Group of Ministers in view of inter-ministerial differences over the reserve price.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) had earlier announced a reserve price of Rs 2,020 crore for pan India 3G spectrum but later the Finance Ministry proposed doubling it.

The DoT later took the matter to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which referred it to the GoM, which is yet to meet for the first time.

The 3G mobile services would be made available on commercial basis from April 20 this year in Tamil Nadu, BSNL CMD Kuldip Goyal said.

Goyal said 3G services customers would have three monthly subscription options of Rs 350, Rs 650 and Rs 1,350. Apart from this, customers would also get the 3G services through a bundle offer.