State-owned PSUs, BSNL and MTNL are set to receive spectrum for 3G services as the Wireless Planning Commission (WPC) has reportedly cleared the proposal towards the same.

If the two companies receive spectrum soon, they will be able to launch their 3G services by year-end unlike private operators who will have to wait till mid of next year for launch of their 3G offerings.

“The assessment of spectrum allotment and utilization records available with the WPC Wing reveals that some spectrum in 1920 - 1980 MHz band is not allotted to defence services and thus appears to be available, which could be considered for earmarking on a trial basis to MTNL for 3G services. MTNL will get these frequency bands paired with 2110 - 2170 MHz bands. It shall pay spectrum charges equal to the highest bid to be determined by the auction for each service area from the date of earmarking of frequencies. After completion of the auction, a demand note will be raised to MTNL for making the payment within 30 days,” said WPC.