NEW DELHI, INDIA: The decision to allow foreign players to offer 3G services in the country will be taken after meeting with the Prime Minister. This was stated by the Union Telecom Minister, A. Raja on the sidelines of the 2nd annual telecom awards organised by Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA).

"We will discuss the issue with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister whether participation of more players in 3G will be allowed, which would fetch additional revenues for the government should be allowed or we should go by TRAI recommendation," Raja said.

"Any final decagons regarding the bidding of spectrum by foreign players will be taken only after the consultation with Prime Minster," added Raja.

Today's statement follows TRAI rejection of department of Telecommunications recommendation to allow foreign players to bid for the 3G spectrum in the country. DoT, in its communication in April, asked TRAI to also include other prospective operators with foreign partners who fulfil the conditions for getting Unified Access Service (UAS) licenses.

However, TRAI had contended that since existing licensees had already made huge investments in the infrastructure and their systems are in place, therefore, they were in a better position to deliver 3G services efficiently at low incremental cost.

"The Authority firmly believes that in the interest of the growth of Indian telecom sector, the entry of this kind must be strongly discouraged," TRAI had added. The DOT had also earlier recommended foreign players to bid for 3G spectrum but the TRAI had been negative to the recommendations.

On the Blackberry issue, the telecom minister said the final decision will be taken in a month