Following the recent allocation of 3G spectrum to two state-owned telecom operators BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.) and MTNL (Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd.) without auctioning, India's DoT (Department of Telecommunications) is set to award spectrum for 3G services to more players by the end of January 2009, according to a report by Reuters on November 4. The auction of 3G spectrum is scheduled to take place in early January 2009.

The government is likely to award 3G spectrum to only three private telecom operators in Delhi and Mumbai and five private telecom operators in other parts of India, according to the Hindustan Times of India. Currently five telecom operators - including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Tata, Reliance Communications, and MTNL - already provide GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) services in both Delhi and Mumbai. More telecom operators are expected to participate in the auction though, according to the same source.