In continuation of the announcement that it has began delivering 3G services in 11 cities in February 2009, Indian state-run BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.) will roll out 3G services in approximately 700 cities across the northern and eastern India by June 2009, the Hindu reported.

After the rollout, BSNL's network coverage will further include east and west Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam. Additionally, the company also plans to expand network coverage to Kolkata in April 2009. The 3G rollout in the southern and western India is slated for completion by July 2009, according to the same source.

After the 3G launch in New Delhi in February 2009, another stated-owned telecom operator MTNL (Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd.) is set to deliver the 3G service in Mumbai by late-April 2009.

Meanwhile, India's DoT (Department of Telecommunications) has demanded both BSNL and MTNL to halt 3G services until India's Intelligence Bureau sets up call monitoring devices for 3G services, the Financial Express of India reported on March 9. The two telecom giants stated, however, that they will continue to offer 3G services while continuing working on security related issues.