The government has allowed three private 3G telecom operators in most circles, including the four metros, while five states, including Punjab and Bihar, will have four private operators.

The government on Thursday invited applications from mobile operators to participate in the auction of 3G spectrum and allowed three private players in most of the circles, while five states will have four private operators, reports PTI.
According to the notice inviting applications (NIA) for 3G spectrum auction in 22 circles, most of the circles including the four metros—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai—would have three private operators.

Only five states—Punjab, West Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir—will have four private operators.

The document said all successful bidders would be allowed to offer 3G services on a commercial basis from 1st September this year.