Idea to start Mumbai operations in 3-4 months

GSM service provider Idea Cellular on Wednesday said it would start operations in the Mumbai circle within 3-4 months once the spectrum allocation imbroglio is sorted out.

The DoT had cleared Idea's application to launch services in Mumbai in August 2006, following the exit of the Tatas from the company. Idea Cellular was also awarded the letter of intent (LoI) for its Mumbai foray during the same month and since then, the company has been awaiting the allocation of spectrum to begin its services in this metro city.

"We are aware of the reality of the current situation. The company is in a position to roll out servives in Mumbai within 3-4 months after spectrum is allocated," company's Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Rajat Mukarji told reporters at a function.

"We had hoped that spectrum will be allotted to us by the end of July and we are in constant touch with the government to sort out the issues as soon as possible," Mukarji said adding that they are hopeful that all things will be worked out.

The company had not received any formal communication from the government regarding spectrum allocation for the Mumbai circle, he said.

It has also applied for spectrum in Bihar circle, and the ministry would look at providing the frequency.

"We have filed applications for the rest of nine circles as well," Mukarji said.

Idea Cellular, had applied for the Mumbai license in late 2005, but the DoT had not processed its application for over an year as the Tata Group was a JV partner in the country.

Idea is the fifth largest operator in the country. The company has licence to operate telecom services in 13 of the 23 circles in the country. On June 30 this year the company had over 16.1 million subscribers.