3G models, pricing...

According to analysts, one of the key hurdles in switching to 3G services for users can be the initial cost of upgrading to a superior handset. Presently, about 15-20 per cent of the mobile phones in India are 3G-ready.

However, now with 3G services only six months away, mobile phone makers are reportedly ready to offer handsets for as less as Rs 3500. Chinese telecom company Huawei Technologies is said to be in talks with Indian GSM operators to introduce a 3G entry-level phone between $80-100.

Other mobile manufacturers like LG and Motorola too foresee a fall in 3G handset prices.

Motorola currently has three 3G models priced between Rs 14,000-19,000.

In India, both Vodaphone and Airtel have priced iPhone in the similar range, disappointing the customers who had expected a price tag similar to that in the USA.