Much awaited 3G spectrum auction, a move to usher India in high speed Internet and mobile utility, is likely to be completed before the end of current financial year after the final decision of the Empowered Group of Ministers.

Hoping early disposal of all technical and managerial hurdles, Union Minister for Communication, A Raja, said, "There are still chances of completing the entire auction process before the end of this fiscal. We will sign the memorandum of understanding with the Defence Ministry. Defense will release 10 to 15 mega hertz of spectrum the day the agreement is signed."

He said that government has yet to finalize the base price, revenue from which is projected of Rs 20,000 crore as compared to earlier revenue estimates of Rs 30,000-Rs
40,000 crore by the Telecommunication Ministry.

Mr. Raja further said, "There are many things which have led to a lower base price. How many slots will be given in the spectrum auction has still not been decided."

He hoped that people of Tamil Nadu would enjoy 3G services, to be started by the state-run telephone operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), before the end of February.