TRAI backs PAN-India mobile number portability + issues recommendations
TRAI just a while ago has released recommendations on implementing mobile number portability [MNP] in India which is already running late by just 2 years 
TRAI is supporting implementation on PAN-India basis but starting from metros. TRAI has recommended to setup a neutral third party MNP Clearing house and the company will not have substantial equity directly or indirectly in any of the telecom service provider in India. Telecom FDI limits apply on the company. The revenue to this company shall be from porting transaction fees.
On the subscribers front, for a pre-paid subscriber having balance and moving to a new operator, no credit shall be transferred. TRAI proposes a “break before make” for porting the number and should be completed within 2 hours. [Is it really feasible ?]
Finally, 2 years after the initial buzz recommendations are in place and hopefully by March-2009 the MNP will be up and running
How much 3G Spectrum India really has ?
After perusing through various documents and reports I have found that India currently has around 60MHz of 3G spectrum of which 30MHz will be made available for 3G services. Spectrum available in 1920-1980MHz paired with 2110-2170MHz.
This means 5 operators are likely to be accommodated for 3G services as one slot is reserved for BSNL/MTNL. However, DoT is allowing a single operator to bid for 2 blocks of 5MHz against the TRAI recommendations. In all likelihood this move by DoT is to favor Telcos who crossed over from CDMA to GSM. However, the winner will have to substantially overpay or use one of the dirty polyester prince’s tricks 
As far as the auction of this precious spectrum goes, new operators [Telcos without any services in India] can also bid for the same but they have to first make an initial deposit of Rs 1,650 crore for UASL license.
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