Looks like the 3G service is finally here. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) had launched its 3G services in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, Jan 23. It had declared that it would slowly extend its services to 38 cities across the state in the next three months. 3G enables people to use speech and advanced data services simultaneously. The service is also backed with the technology to offer higher quality in voice call as well as a wide range of data services.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will issue the notice inviting application (NIA) for bids from potential bidders from Thursday. The auction of 3G airwaves, will allow users access to ultra-fast internet services, full movie streaming on mobile phone and mobile TV.

The 3G spectrum auctions were scheduled to take place in 2007 but disagreements between DoT and the finance ministry over the bid price and the number of slots to be auctioned in each circle became stumbling blocks in its way.

The 3G auction is expected to bring the Government about Rs 35,000 crore. Telecom operators including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar, RCom and the Tatas have already expressed their desire to bid for the next generation technology.

On the other hand, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is also in talks with personal computer manufacturer HCL, and chip maker Intel Corp. to announce a series of initiatives to increase access to wireless broadband Internet across India and affordable computers.

Intel and BSNL will propagate wireless broadband Internet in what is going to become a mobile WiMAX network ultimately.

BSNL will also work with Intel and HCL to make WiMAX-capable nettop computers available in rural areas. The computers have been designed by the two companies and made in India by HCL using Intel processors.

The collaboration of BSNL, HCL and Intel will help escalate wireless broadband Internet availability in India. It is expected to connect millions more Indians to 21st century digital opportunity, pushing national growth in the process. With 3G service and WiMAX, there are enough reasons to be happy.