India is to delay its 3G rollout until the government finalises its policy for services based on the technology, according to reports.
The Hindu Business Line in Delhi reported that India’s Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has asked the privately-owned wireless proposed data services based on EVDO to delay delivery of 3G systems until the policies are complete.
The paper quotes Daryl Green, CEO of Tatas saying his organisation is ready to offer 3G services but is waiting for permission.
“We have been told verbally to put off our lunch of EVDO services till later this year,” Green said. “If we get the permission we can start services tomorrow. We can offer 3G services using the existing spectrum but the DoT feels 800 MHz is a 2G radio frequency and therefore we should wait till the 3G spectrum is released.”
The policy for 3G in India is now expected to be finalised by year-end.