So once again, the deadlock for allocation of 3G spectrum continues… All those in India waiting for high-end services such as super fast internet, video-conferencing, interactive gaming, mobile TV and high-speed downloads of movie and music clips on mobile phones will now have to wait for almost another year.

The government has said that though they would proceed with auction of the wireless 3G spectrum by Jan-10, actual allotment would happen only by Aug-10, causing even more delay considering the world has moved to 4G. To an extent, the delay has also been caused on account of the defence forces not willing to free up additional spectrum earlier, which they’ve now partially agreed to.

Airwaves will be alloted simultaneously to each of the four successful bidders, thereby giving them time to get their act together in time for the rollout. Their pockets will also find it relatively easy going, as they need to pay 1/4th the bid amount this year and the balance when the spectrum is allotted, a big change from the earlier plan where they were required to pay up the entire amount within 15 days of the completion of the auction.

A far cry away from the rest of the world, where TeliaSonera’s 4G network in Sweden and Norway is Europe’s first 4G offering, providing mobile broadband at up to 10 times the speed allowed by 3G technology.

 

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