Wireless Planning and Co-ordination (WPC), a department of the DoT, has decided to allot the 3G spectrum to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telecommunication Nigam Limited (MTNL), writes Debopriya Nandy.

The decision of allotting 3G spectrum to the state-owned telcos came very rapidly after the announcement by the communication ministry to introduce the 3G service. As explained by WPC, the reason for the haste lies in the target imposed on BSNL to provide 10 million broadband connections by 2010.

MTNL and BSNL are to pay spectrum charges from the date of earmarking of frequencies, which will be charged as per the highest bid determined in the auction for each area of service. This payment is to be made within 30 days. X