Telecom Lead India:
Sistema Shyam Teleservices (MTS India) has welcomed the Supreme Court order to continue
2G operations till September 7.
Supreme Court on Tuesday said existing licences for 2G
telecom spectrum will continue in operation till September 7 this year. The
court extended the time for conducting fresh auction of the spectrum from
June 2 to August 31.
MTS India said it is heartening to note that the supreme
court has clarified its position in favor of our plea. The said order comes as
a huge relief to our customers, employees, investors and all members of the
telecom ecosystem who are both directly and indirectly associated with MTS
India.
In the interest of more than 70 million affected customers,
including more than 16 million customers of SSTL, the company had filed an
application before the Supreme Court seeking a clarification that quashing of
the licenses is to become operative simultaneously with the conclusion of the
grant of licenses and auction process for allocation of 2G spectrum.
Supreme Court in its judgment dated 2nd February 2012
had ordered to cancel 122 telecom licenses issued in 2008, including 21
licenses of Sistema Shyam TeleServices.
The Supreme Court had directed the TRAI to make fresh
recommendations for grant of license and allocation of 2G spectrum.
Additionally, SC had also directed the Central Government to
consider and take appropriate decision on the TRAI’s recommendations within
next one month. However, The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) has filed
an application before the Supreme Court expressing its inability to conduct
fresh auctions within the prescribed deadline of 2nd June 2012.
