New Delhi, Aug 1 : The Union Government today gave clearance for introduction of next generation (3G) mobile services as well as portability of mobile numbers which would allow users to switch operators while retaining existing numbers.

The new guidelines for 3G spectrum, released today by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), provides for a reserve price for availing of radio frequency.

The Government has also fixed the base price at Rs 160 crore for metros and category A circles, Rs 80 crore for category B, and Rs 30 crore for C circles, respectively for 3G spectrum auctions.

The Government has also decided to allow up to 10 players in the 3G space, including eligible foreign players.

The guidelines for Mobile Number Portability, also released by the DoT today, propose dividing the country into two zones for implementing the scheme that is prevalent in most mature telecom markets.

India has 60 MHz of 3G spectrum available, and will allow both Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 3G services. (ANI)