3G in India – Gloomy subscription numbers from BSNL and MTNL

200-300 3G subscribers for MTNL and only 2000-3000 subscribers for BSNL (across 24 cities).

While govt. is hell bent on delaying 3G auction (read our coverage of 3G auction in India), BSNL and MTNL have enjoyed the first mover (as well as shaker) advantage – but with dismal result (via).

The lower subscriber numbers are a testimonial to the fact that private players should be allotted spectrum at the earliest – after all, government is losing money by delaying 3G auction and the ones who have been allotted spectrum aren’t able to market/position it to consumers (maybe a function of segment they cater to?).

On top of that, DoT has asked BSNL and MTNL to stop 3G Services over security reasons.

All said and done, government owned companies need serious (and aggressive) competition from private players – otherwise, expect a suboptimal and mediocre 3G story.

Why do you think people aren’t opting for 3G services? Pricing? Or lack of awareness of it’s benefits?