Finally .. 3G & Number portability !
New 3G policy has been issued by the government. The bidding will start soon and industry experts say consumers will be able to avail the services from end december. I think thats been too optimistic, we all know how ‘fast’ things happen in here. So dont expect it before january- february (thats the earliest).
Coming of iPhone is one of the factors which may quicken the process. iPhone 3g is expected to release here around 18th august. Most of us talk about iPhone when it comes to 3G, but there are far too many other phones which also support 3G. Why dont we talk about them for a change ? To start it off, my Nokia N81 supports 3g. So does all the new high end Nokia , Sony Ericsson , Motorola and Samsung phones.
As for 3G in india, BSNL officials say they have the facilities to provide 3G by year end ( Even if they do , i wont switch to BSNL ). Vodafone and Airtel have the infrastructure, and i have a feeling that either Vodafone or Airtel will launch 3G on 1st January , 2009 .
Another great news is the coming of number portability. It would mean you can have the same number and change to another carrier. Soo many people i know want to change their operators but its the number retention which prevents them for doing it. There would be some fees attached to it though, dont expect it to be free. The operators will have to pay huge sum to make this possible and as you can make out, you will have to pay for that. Still, i am very happy that finally we are having this option in here. Reports say that it will be available in the four metros within 2 months. I say , if its available by year end we would be more than happy 
So there you go , great things happening in the mobile sector. Keep me updated if theres anything i missed out .
Check this interview for some more insights on Number Portability
Updates : Vodafone and Airtel will launch iPhone 3G on 22nd August. Its confirmed now.
aritra