Consider extending deadline for telecos to operate: Govt to SC

The Department of Telecom (DoT) apprised its stand in an affidavit which assumes importance as the court had permitted the telecom operators to continue to operate till January 18 this year.

The DoT asked the apex court to consider allowing it to grant "temporary licences" to such operators till the completion of the fresh bidding process.

It said this plea could be taken into account if the court decides not to extend any further the January 18 deadline as "such an arrangement will avoid disruption of services to the subscribers on one hand and safeguard the public revenue on the other".

As per the apex court order, 21 licences of Sistema Shyam Teleservices (MTS), 16 permits of Telenor controlled Uninor, 15 of Videocon and 3 CDMA permits of Tata Teleservices will stand cancelled from January 18 leading to disconnection of around 25 crore subscribers in the country.

Telenor is in the process to transferring the business of Uninor in 6 circles under new entity Telewings Communications, which recently won spectrum. (MORE)