BSNL to start 3G services in Chennai

State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) today said it plans to start next generation (3G) mobile services in Chennai and other circles next month.

"We plan to roll-out 3G services by next month," BSNL Chariman and Managing Director Kuldeep Goyal told reporters here. The services are likely to be started from Chennai and other circles.

While announcing the 3G policy, Communication and IT Minister A Raja had given an advantage to telecom PSUs - BSNL and MTNL - of allocating 3G spectrum ahead of others with a condition that both will pay the price equivalent to the highest bid.

This was done keeping in mind the cumbersome process to procure equipment by the PSUs vis-a-vis by the private players.

The government has deferred the 3G spectrum auction to January 30, delaying it by 15 days. As per the new revised timeline, the state-run operators might get lead lead over the private operators.