SC allows MTS, Telenor to continue operations till March 11

[Bapun]

Russia’s Sistema and Norway’s Telenor got a fresh breather with the Supreme Court allowing them to continue their operation till March 11 when the later heasr the case. Earlier the hearing was to take place on February 4,

While Telenor is looking for clarity from DoT, Sistema has not offered any comment on the development. Telcos whose licences were cancelled following the apex court’s February 2, 2012 verdict were directed to close down their operation by February 4 this year.

The court on Friday also suggested that the licences of the telcos who don’t participate in the auction to be held in March may not get further extension.

Russian telecom giant Sistema which operates as MTS in India will participate in the auction for spectrum in 800 MHz band to be held in March. Now the company is likely to bid in at least in important category “A” and category “B” circles.

MTS did not participate in the auction that was held in November last year. It said that it did not do anything wrong and it had challenged the Supreme Court decision canceling its licences. The company had filed a curative petition in the Supreme Court.

Telenor which in November last year won spectrum in Gujarat, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh east, Uttar Pradesh west and Andhra Pradesh has said that it would be difficult for it participate in the bid for Mumbai, if the reserve price for 1800 Mhz spectrum is not brought down by atleast 50%.

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