Differences over the number of private players to be allowed to offer 3G mobile services continue within the government as an empowered ministers’ panel on Tuesday failed to reach any consensus.

Mobile phone users would have to wait anywhere from three to six months for the freedom to switch operators without losing their existing number, as companies are yet upgrade their networks.

Private equity investment in the country's telecom sector is likely to surge next year with the introduction of 3G services and rural penetration by telcos, experts say.

India will throw open the auction of airwaves for offering 3G mobile services to state-run, private and foreign operators in the current fiscal, Telecom Minister, A Raja, has said.

The government will hold the much-awaited 3G spectrum auction for GSM operators on December 7 and invite bids from October 26 to November 13.