3G auction to be held by year-end: Raja

By IANS,

New Delhi : Communications Minister A. Raja, who took charge here Monday, said the third generation (3G) radio waves auction process will be completed by the year-end.


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“The 3G auction will definitely take place by the end of this year,” he told reporters here.

The minister added that he would work towards bringing down telecom tariffs and promoting investment in the IT sector.

Asked about the proposal to offload stake in the state-run telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), Raja said the ministry “will look into it”.

“Discussions on disinvesting the government stake in BSNL are on. I have asked the company management to talk to the trade union and arrive at a consensus,” he said.

Raja, who assumed office for a second term, said the government would also look into a proposal to sell part of public sector equipment manufacturer ITI Ltd.

“I do hope that there’s a possibility to sell part of it,” he said.

He added that he would “review all matters” pending before the ministry.

“The parliament session is on and I don’t want to make any promises that are not fulfilled in the stipulated time,” Raja said.

Sachin Pilot and Gurudas Kamat took charge Monday as ministers of state in the communication and IT ministry.

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