MTNL launched 3G in Delhi and then BSNL announced its availability in Chennai by February. Now, it's Bangalore mobile users' turn to cheer for 3G. The state telco, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) announced plans to launch 3G services in the IT capital from April onwards.

While announcing it in Bangalore, the Karnataka Telecom circle general manager (mobile services), R Mani, said, “3G services would be introduced in Chennai in March, followed by Bangalore in April.”

The Chinese telecom equipment maker, Huawei Technologies will supply the equipment by March.

The launch of 3G services has been making news in India. Another state telco, Mahanagar Telecom Nigam limited (MTNL) recently launched ‘Jadoo’, first to be launched 3G services in India.

Subhendu Ghosh, principal general manager, Bangalore Telecom District, said, “"BSNL is also all set to roll out 3G in a couple of months with all latest features. It will launch 3G in Chennai by February and in Karnataka by March.”

Last year, several other countries launched 3G but they are yet to reach out to to the wider audience, mainly because of higher costs and not up-to-the-mark service quality. BSNL will target high end subscribers like corporates and businesses till it reaches the stage where the services become affordable for all.

Till now, both the state telcos, MTNL and BSNL, have announced their launches or plan for launches in four major cities, including Mumbai. But, once the auction is over with major private players winning the spectrum, competition will get much tougher.

But, the question here is on the affordability of 3G. No one knows how long it will take to make 3G affordable for ordinary individuals.

Other problems facing Indian telecommunications departments are the lack of spectrum, security against misusage of modern technologies and most importantly, to start the 3G auction on time and avoiding further delay. X