The government today invited applications from mobile operators to participate in the auction of 3G spectrum and allowed three private players in most of the circles while four in five states including Punjab and Bihar.

According to the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for 3G spectrum auction in 22 circles, most of the circles including four metros -- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai -- would have three private players.

Only five states of Punjab, West Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir would accommodate four private operators.

The document said all successful bidders would be allowed to offer 3G services on commercial basis from September 1, this year.