Uninor shuts ops in Mumbai after SC order

Telco says zones where it had acquired fresh spectrum in the November auction won’t be affected

Telenor-promoted Uninor ended operations in the Mumbai telecom circle on Sunday, following the Supreme Court order on Friday for companies which did not win spectrum in the November auction to immediately discontinue operations.

The company told all customers and business partners that its network in Mumbai would not be available after midnight on Saturday.

“We have pursued every alternative possible to continue our operations in Mumbai until the new auction takes place. Now the court has ordered an immediate closure of operations and no temporary license is available to allow a gradual process. Unfortunately, we have no choice now,” said Sigve Brekke, managing director of Uninor. "I deeply regret the consequences this has for our customers, employees and business partners.”

The company had earlier ended operations in the other telecom zones where its licences were cancelled, except the six circles of Maharashtra and Goa, Gujarat, UP East, UP West, Bihar and Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh, where it had acquired fresh spectrum in the November auction. According to a company statement, there would not be any impact in these six circles.

Uninor declared it would help its employees in Mumbai to find new jobs. This will include opportunities in other circles where Uninor operations continue.

Additionally, outplacement agencies are to be hired to secure placements outside the company.