Uninor employees stage demonstration

Demand that the company be allowed to continue operations till next round of spectrum auction

Facing risk of losing jobs in the wake of Supreme Court cancelling 2G licences, hundreds of Uninor employees from various parts of the country today staged a demonstration here demanding the company be allowed to continue operations till next round of spectrum auction.

The Supreme Court, on February 2, had cancelled 22 telecom licences of Uninor, a joint venture between Telenor of Norway and domestic realty player Unitech, and as per the order its telecom business will cease by June 2.

"Less than 45 days are left for June 2 but nobody has given us assurance. Since we are not visible in Delhi, decision makers here feel we do not exist," Uninor Chief Regulatory Officer Pankaj Sharma said.

He added that in telecom business if a company stops functioning, then it will be difficult for it to start over again.

A letter signed by over 2,000 Uninor employees from across the country was also sent to offices of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.

"We want what everyone wants: allow our company to continue till it can participate in the auction," the letter said.

While the apex court had asked the government to conduct the auction for 2G spectrum freed from cancellation of 122 licences within four months, Department of Telecomminications has expressed its inability to complete the process within that timeline. Instead, it has sought 400 days to complete the process.

"...But there is no comment whatsoever on the extension of quashed licences till the time auction process is completes," it added.

"This situation will adversely impact the employment and opportunity to earn livelihood of thousands of people who are working for Uninor. Also, we fear that in such a situation, Uninor would not be able to participate in the auction," the letter said.

Norwegian firm Telenor, which is the majority shareholder in the joint venture, has said it remains committed to India and will participate in the proposed auction.

However, it is looking for a new partner for the Indian joint venture and wants to transfer all assets and employees of Uninor to this new joint venture.

However, Telenor's partner Unitech has opposed the move to form new entity for telecom business, transfer of assets other related issues. Both the companies are contesting their differences in various courts.