Looks like the delay is due to the security issues which govt raised about the Video Calls. Airtel definitely will not like to launch 3G with huge marketing spends carrying small msg at the bottom "Video Calls not available currently"

They want fully fledged services to create a good first impression.
But here is some pretty good news:
The government may allow private telecom operators to roll out their 3G (third generation) mobile services soon as the ministry of home affairs has agreed, in principle, to give its go ahead provided the operators — as proposed by them — offer full access to security agencies for "real-time interception" of services "within six months of its launch".
"We don't have any problem if they (telecom companies) adhere to the six months deadline as agreed by the department of telecommunication (
DoT)", said a senior home ministry official, adding the 3G service may roll out soon if operators go by this condition.
Union home secretary G K Pillai and DoT secretary R Chandrashekhar discussed the issue on Tuesday, and are likely to "formally" accept the proposal of the operators, paving the way for launching of the 3G services by private telecom companies.
The 3G mobile services mainly include voice call, video calls and 'faster' data services. In the data services, operators are claiming to offer high-speed internet service, but are required to offer lawful monitoring facility to the security agencies.
Read more: 3G rollout subject to security access - The Times of India
3G rollout subject to security access - The Times of India
I'm sure Airtel and Vodafone will lauch 3G as soon as govt allows them.
Overall, it looks like 1st week of Jan will be perfect for them to go 3G
