The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently announced that with in next six months, the Indian consumers would be able to have 3G telecom services, as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), have been allowed and issued the spectrum to roll out all-India services.

The 3G of third generation services are high in demand as it offers its users a really high internet accessing speed, which is 30 times faster than 2G. The state-owned corporations will get a four-to-five-month head start in the 3G space over private sector rivals.

The government also announced that the details of auctioning of spectrum and the number of players allowed in each circle will be finalized within four months. Spectrum is basically radio frequencies that enable wireless communication.

“We expect to earn Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 crore through this 3G auction,” said Communications Minister A Raja while announcing the new 3G initiative.

BSNL Chairman Kuldeep Goyal reported that they will roll out an all-India 3G network in next six months starting from north and east.

The company has placed orders for equipment and 25 per cent of the 40 million-line GSM order is for 3G services.

By 2012, the industry experts are expecting 45-70 million 3G customers, roughly 10% of the mobile customers base. However the new players that win bids will have to pay additional cash (Rs 1,650 crore for an all-India 3G licence) for mandatorily taking a universal access service licence (UASL) also.