It’s been more than a year now that 3G spectrum was to be auctioned and always used to get postponed. But what is all the buzz about 3G, what does it mean and how does it work? Why has this auction been in so much news? Isn’t it the same way we saw in movies where possible contenders sit in a room and start biddding for the given item, like a antique or painting? even the IPL players were auctioned, that looked simple to me!
Well, this is the place where I take the plunge into the wide world of 3G n try to understand everything about it – right from the meaning and the auction process.
What 3G means to a common man?
In simple words, 3G will provide a better voice clarity and much faster internet access, enable video calls as well. This also means that if you do not have a 3G phone then to enjoy these benefits you will have to upgrade. But worry not, these phones start from Rs.5K onwards, do ensure that it has a front camera enabling you to do video chat with your parents/friends. Even though the auction is in progress 3G will be made available to the public only early next year. After all the formalities are done with. This also means that you do not have to hurry to buy that 3G phone, as the trend is, the phone prices drop every month and this trend does not seem to be changing any sooner so wait and watch.
Will my existing operator provide 3G?
This will be known only after the action finishes and the jubilant winners will speak for themselves.
OK, so what’s the process?
To understand this better, lets see how this auction works. There are totally 22 circles (regions) that would be auctioned.
The online auction process started on 9th April, will go on for a week, if no decision is taken this continues till its complete – all day between 9am – 7:30 pm. Each bidder is given/earns eligibility points. Everyone bids for the circle(s) they want to, more points required for metro cities as compared to non metro cities. End of the day it would be checked how the demand was and the price would increase by 10% everytime till the time demand is less than the supply. Then the winners are chosen. Auction closes only when there is no demand for any circle. whoever wins, be a small player or biggie – pays the same price.
How do we know what’s happening each day?
The media is told about the bid status after 7 30pm each day, this appears daily in the leading newspapers across India.
Though it seems complex, all am bothered about is weather Vodafone is offering it to me or not. As i have that connection 🙂 Also how expensive will it be for me to do video calls/chat with my wife or parents? Better internet connectivity will definitely be a boost – while on the move searching for hotels/restaurants/GPS-directions becomes easier – just a few examples of how good the experience will be with 3G.
I wonder when will the MNP (mobile number portability) see the light of the day? I would love to give TATA Docomo a spin !