3G auction, slated for Jan 15th has now been delayed to Jan 30th (speculated) owing to the absence of foreign telecom operators in the pre-bid conference.
“In view of the large number of requests from potential bidders, it is only fair that they should be given some time. Accordingly, it is decided that the auction process be shifted by a fortnight and the CCEA decision will be available by that time and we will have a clear mandate to proceed as per their decision” - source
Earlier, Vodafone had requested for a delay in 3G auction date citing global economic crisis and difficulty in raising funds as the reason.
Recommended Read : 3G Auction Details, 3G Guidelines , 3G Debuts in India
We will be lucky if we can see 3g from private operators before 2009 ends. BSNL/MTNL might provide it but their service cant be trusted. The world is talking of 4G and we are not even having 3G. What a shame