New Delhi, Sep 18 : The Union Government has said that it will allow foreign telecom companies to bid on their own without a domestic partner for the 3G spectrum but they will have to find a local player before starting services.

Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura said according to Indian laws, foreign companies can own up to 74 per cent stake and thus they would be required to form a joint venture with an Indian company before starting the services.

‘The foreign telcos can bid for the 3G spectrum on their own but before rolling out services they should find an Indian partner,” he said.