DHAKA: The auction for the much-awaited auction of 3G, Third Generation mobile-phone services, has begun in the city on Sunday morning with participation of four mobile phone operators.

These operators are GrameenPhone, Robi, Banglalink and Airtel.

The auction started at 11:00am at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel.

A total of 40 MHz of spectrum will be auctioned for eight blocks where a single bidder can bid for maximum two blocks.

The minimum allocation for a spectrum block is 5 MHz with base price of US$ 20 million for each MHz. The validity period for a 3G license will be for 15 years.

In every call, the prices per MHz will go up by $1million.

The 3G service provides high speed wireless internet and allows mobile users to use their smart phones for TV viewing and holding video conferences, services previously unavailable.

BDST:1157 HRS, SEP 08, 2013
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