As per news reports, Videocon Telecom, Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL) and Loop Telecom have decided not to participate in the forthcoming spectrum auction scheduled for February 3, 2014.
The three operators have not submitted their bids for the forthcoming round of spectrum auction. The last date for submitting bids for the auctions was January 15, 2014.
Earlier, Videocon Telecom had expressed its interest in bidding for spectrum in the 900 MHz band. However, the operator has now decided against bidding on the grounds that worldwide 900 MHz continues to be an underdeveloped band for providing 4G services. Therefore, the operator has decided to wait for the 4G ecosystem to develop further and bid for 4G spectrum in future auctions.
Meanwhile, SSTL is not participating in the forthcoming auction since it is keen on acquiring spectrum in the 800 MHz band. But, the government is only auctioning spectrum in the 900 MHz and the 1800 MHz. At the same time, SSTL has requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority to consider the proposal of auctioning spectrum in the 800 MHz band as well.
Loop Mobile, on the other hand, has claimed that it has the right to continue providing services using spectrum in the 900 MHz band. In a communication to the Department of Telecommunication, the operator has claimed that was illegal to force an auction on the company. Further, it has stated that Loop Mobile?s non-participation in the forthcoming auction should not be taken as relinquishment of the operator?s right to get an extension for its licences. The operator?s licence in the Mumbai circle is coming up for renewal in 2014. Loop Mobile has filed a petition with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal seeking an extension of its licence.
