The month long ruckus between TRAI (Ttelecom Regulatory Authority of India) and DoT (Department of Telecom) of the global auction of 3G services has almost reached its climax. But now a section of DoT supports TRAI's decision of limiting the 3G auction to only has delayed the event.

Telecom minister A Raja has made clear his intentions to let foreign players bid in the 3G auctions many times in the public. But with differences creeping into his own department, DoT has prepared a note for the prime minister listing the advantages of limiting the upcoming 3G auction to only existing players.

The note also relays the disadvantages of allowing foreign operators to bid for the 3G auction. Incidentally, the note from DoT has come, even as Raja and finance minister P.Chidambaran are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, discussing their stand over 3G global auctioning.

Complicating the matter further is another section of DoT known as the Wireless Planning and Co-ordination (WPC) unit. WPC has produced a draft which states that all players, International majors, new domestic entrants and even non-licence holders should be allowed to bid for the 3G auction.

According to the Economic Times, the main reason for a section a DoT to support Trai and not their own ministry Raja on 3G is because of the upcoming probe by the central vigilance commission. More here and here.X