Licence cancellation a bolt from the blue: Birla

Calls clubbing Idea with 2008 licencees unfortunate as firm had applied for licences in 2006, seeks remediation but mum on course of action

Aditya Birla group chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla today said that cancellation Idea Cellular’s licences was a bolt from the blue.

A few weeks back, the Supreme Court cancelled 122 licences of eight companies. And nine of Idea’s licences were cancelled as a part of SC’s move to terminate licences granted by former telecom minister A Raja, in 2008.

Birla said that it is unfortunate to club them with 2008 licencees, because Idea had applied for licences in 2006. “We were passed over and clubbed with those who were given licences in 2008. Our issue and situation is very different. Like everyone else, we are looking to unwind the situation, if at all,” he said.

Idea Cellular would be trying for some sort of remediation to the issue, but Birla did not mention the course of action that they would take. He said that they will wait and watch government’s moves; if they would come up with a re-auction, the price and the future of existing infrastructure.

“It is still early to comment on whether we will participate or not. I think we need more clarity,” said Birla.

Birla also refused to comment on the possibility of filing a review petition of the verdict by the Supreme Court. “This sector has been mired in controversy since the last 15 years. It remains a sector with great potential from a long-term point of view. Like other hurdles, I am sure we will find out a way out,” he said.