Operators facing licence cancellation as per the Supreme Court?s verdict in the 2G spectrum case have obtained temporary reprise.
The Supreme Court has extended the validity of these licences to September 7, 2012, along with the timeframe to conduct a fresh round of 2G spectrum auctions, from June 2, 2012 to August 31, 2012.
However, the Court dismissed the government?s request to grant it 400 days to wind up the entire auction process.
As expected, the new operators have responded favourably to the new order. For example, Sistema Shyam TeleServices Limited (SSTL), in a press statement, said, ?The Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated February 2, 2012 had ordered to cancel 122 telecom licenses issued in 2008, including 21 licenses of SSTL. The Supreme Court had directed the TRAI to make fresh recommendations for grant of license and allocation of 2G spectrum. Additionally, it 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 June 2, 2012.?
?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. 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 SSTL.?
