Government has allocated 3G spectrum to mobile service operators including Vodafone Essar, Reliance Communication and Tata Teleservices. The operators are excited to rollout the 3G services to the Indian customers. We can expect the world class 3G service which will redefine the telecom experience in India to be introduced in the next few months.
Roll out of 3G mobile services in Punjab and Chennai by Idea Cellular and Aircel respectively could be a bit delayed due to a technical glitch with respect to licensing. Under the old cellular services, Chennai and Tamil Nadu were two separate circles. Thus, Aircel had got two separate mobile licenses. However, in case of 3G auction, the DoT is considering Tamil Nadu and Chennai as a single unit. Idea Cellular has a case of overlapping licenses. They may have to surrender one of their licenses in Punjab. Idea had got its own license for Punjab, but also acquired Spice Cellular which had operations in the same circle. The company has been seeking a refund for surrendering the license.
Let us just hope that no more delays come in way of the 3G rollout. We are sure to expect a spectacular change in the telecom experience with 3G services. Moreover, buying the latest 3G enabled tablets (iPad, etc) would become more meaningful for the Indian customers once the service is activated in India. PWC has expected 3G subscribers to cross 107 million users in India by 2015. So, we can surely expect a new price and features war to start off amongst the telecom companies in their bid to acquire the greatest share of the 3G users. All goes in the interest of the consumers.
Fingers crossed. Let this be not further delayed.
Sure, this is the same question in everyone’s mind and understandably a right one. But we have to understand one thing: 3G is not a magic wand to solve each of our problem. 3G can only play the role of an enabler or a facilitator. it will take some time before prices settle down and the effects percolate to the masses. Telcos have invested huge amounts to procure the licenses. So their first target would be make it sustainable. competition would ultimately lower down the prices but i don’t see it happening from the first day itself.
3G is exciting because it has the potential to open an altogether different world.But to take it as a panacea for all of our problems (laid-back-attitude,delay) would be asking too much from a mere technology. Remember, Technology cannot solve human Imperfections..or may be it can?