The Communications Ministry claimed that all issues related to 3G where finally resolved and the government will issue a notice inviting application (NIA) this week to be followed by auctions within 45 days time.

“NIAs will be released this week. Then, auction can take another 40-45 days,” said Union Communications Minister, A Raja.

The new development still results in 3G process to start only in next fiscal. However the auction process has been pushed for an early date from September to April.

There is still lack of clarity on the number of spectrum blocks to be auctioned. The Minister could only commit that the number of slots to be auctioned will be as per the decision of the empowered group of ministers.

But from past observations, one should not be surprised if there is another twist resulting in delay of the auctions.