The Hindu Business Line : 3G presents great opportunity, says Maran

MINISTER for Communication and IT, Mr Dayanidhi Maran today said mobile growth in the country could touch 6-8 million new subscribers every month once operators roll out services in rural areas.

Speaking at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Mr Maran also outlined the thrust areas in the telecom sector in the coming months, including 3G policy by March-end, and monetary support from the USO fund for mobile operators for rural coverage.

"Although subscriber adds have nearly doubled in recent months, I believe that the growth is still fairly modest when we adjudge it against the huge pent-up demand that has built up, especially in the rural and remote areas where mobile services have still not reachedmonth," Mr Maran said at the conference.

The Minister said that the government would now focus on bridging the digital divide. Mr Maran said India was looking forward to early introduction of 3G services. "Given the low penetration of wireline broadband, I believe that 3G represents a great opportunity for the industry as well as the country, as it will be the platform on which mobile broadband can be delivered economically and efficiently to Indian consumers. I expect that by the end of this fiscal year we will have a firm and clear 3G policy in place under which not only will the interests of existing players be safeguarded, but we will also be looking at opening the door to new players."

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