Stalemate over defence spectrum for 3G continues

The stalemate between the defence ministry and the communications ministry over the availability of 3G spectrum to be auctioned continues. HT Correspondent reports.

The stalemate between the defence ministry and the communications ministry over the availability of 3G spectrum to be auctioned continues.

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Though the group of ministers (GOM) has said four slots of 3G spectrum would be auctioned, the defence ministry has said it cannot vacate the spectrum for telecom companies. The process of auction of 3G spectrum set to begin on January 14.

Sources saaid Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Communications Minister A Raja and Defence Minister A.K. Antony held a meeting on Monday to try and resolve the issue.

Sam Pitroda, advisor to the Prime Minister on infrastructure, reportedly submitted a working paper on different frequency bands that can be vacated by the defence.