Successful 3G bidders would be eligible for 2G

Foreign telecom firms who win third-generation radio waves in an auction due next month will also be kept in the queue for second-generation spectrum, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

8220;For a new entrant in 3G who has obtained a licence..it will be in the queue for 2G spectrum,8221; R Ashok, member finance in India8217;s telecom commission, the apex government body for the sector, told operators at a pre-bid conference.

India will conduct a global auction for 3G wireless spectrum starting Jan. 16 and has set a base price of 20.20 billion rupees 417 million for spectrum in all the service areas.

Firms interested to participate in the auction process are required to submit applications between Dec. 26 and Jan. 5.