The Hindu Business Line : `I'm open to foreign players bidding for 3G'

New Delhi May 27 The new CII President, Mr Sunil Mittal, has said that foreign players should not be stopped from bidding for third-generation (3G) mobile services.

Mr Mittal's comments assumes significance in the light of the concerns raised by telecom operators against inviting new players to bid for 3G spectrum at a time when existing players are facing spectrum crunch.

"3G should be brought in the country as soon as possible and broadband should spread as soon as it can," he said.

"Foreign players are already here. On the specific question of allowing more players - it's a free, open country. To my mind, this will be a waterloo for any large company to provide 60 paise a minute service ... let them come."

Tata Teleservices and GSM operators had earlier said that the Government should address the issues relating to existing players before inviting new operators.

The telecom regulator has also backed the operator's stance.

The Communication Ministry had indicated that the Government may allow foreign players to bid for 3G licences.

On the issues that need to be addressed by the new Communication Minister, Mr A. Raja, the CII President said: "Most of the regulations are in place. The access deficit charge is on a sunset regime. We want rationalisation of duties, which has been mandated in the Budget."

He added: "The Finance Minister has asked the Department of Telecom to rationalise the multiplicity of taxes. Once it is done we will pass on the benefit to the consumers."