The Communications and IT Minister, Mr. Andimuthu Raja announced that the consumers will get the much-delayed third generation (3G) mobile services by Jan 2009.

The government is likely to declare the concluding guidelines for 3G mobile services by June, after making discussions with the Law Ministry and the Prime Minister.

3G wireless networks permit operators to transfer information, voice and video at amazing speeds, enabling internet services on mobile devices.

With all these facilities, data heavy operations including quick internet surging, streaming videos on hand held devices etc would become a reality.

Experts think India can completely hop the wired broadband internet access generation that has been indicating trivial growth because of last-mile connectivity matters, by moving to wireless 3G and WiMax.

Mr. Raja stated since subsisting telecom operators are 3G ready, hence no extra infrastructure would be required.

The government is expected to set a level playing field for domestic as well as foreign players.

“If there is common (3G spectrum) or open auction, then there will be no bar. Either way foreign players will be permitted,” Mr. Raja said.

The government is still unsure on whether new players should be permitted to take part in the 3G auction, he said.

While the government is keen on having a global bid for 3G spectrum as it thinks that this step would bring more money and boost rivalry, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) want limited competition to the existing players, who can tie up with foreign players for technology and funds.

At first, 3G services are likely to be auctioned only for the metro circles.

Operators buying the rights will have to tie up with local players controlling other circles to offer up roaming services.