Date:20/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/02/20/stories/2008022051460400.htm

Back Idea Cellular claims first right over spectrum

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Feb. 19 Aditya Birla Group promoted Idea Cellular has shot off yet another letter to the Government seeking immediate release of spectrum for its nine new circles. The company has told the Department of Telecom that its application for spectrum should be given priority over others in the line.

“We believe that in the nine service areas for which we hold Letters of Intent, GSM spectrum is already available for initial spectrum allocation. We have held that such spectrum should have been allocated among eligible applicants for initial spectrum, on a first come first serve principle, based on the date of application. It is now nearing 20 months since we applied, and six weeks since we deposited Rs 684.59 crore as licence entry fee. You are aware that our applications rank NO.1 in seniority among all those holding Letters of Intent,” Idea Cellular said in a letter to the Department of Telecom.

Idea Cellular said that the seniority principle for allocating spectrum has been recognised even by the Delhi High Court in its Order dated February 13. DoT had issued Letters of Intent to Videocon, Shyam Telelink, Swan and Unitech among others.