Norway-based Telenor is considering partnering with Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) for continuing its telecom operations in India. The company has been scouting for a strategic Indian partner after its fallout with Unitech, following the cancellation of licences of their joint venture, Uninor, in February 2012.
Telenor and TTSL are considering various options for a possible alliance before the upcoming spectrum auction in end-August, 2012. They are considering merging Telenor?s assets in India with TTSL. Both the companies are also examining the option of Telenor acquiring NTT DOCOMO?s stake in TTSL subject to NTT DOCOMO?s approval. Currently, NTT DOCOMO owns 26 per cent in TTSL and has the option of increasing or selling the same under a call option agreed between the two companies in 2008.
Alternatively, Telenor is also considering partnering with Viom Networks, a joint venture between TTSL and Srei Infrastructure.
Telenor already has strategic business alliance with the Tata Group. It has a global IT service venture with Tata Consultancy Services.
