Idea’s Mumbai plans hits a roadblock

Posted on | December 16, 2005 |

Idea’s plan to roll out services in Mumbai is likely to face some roadblocks due to the unavailability of spectrum in the circle.

Existing players like Hutchison Essar, BPL Mobile and Bharti Tele-Ventures are waiting for additional spectrum in Mumbai. Although they are eligible to get additional spectrum of 1.8 mhz, after their subscriber base crossed the one million mark, they have been waiting for a long time now.

First the existing players will be given the spectrum. Only if there is additional spectrum, it will be given to the new operator. The delay in the release of additional spectrum is because the government is taking a relook at the spectrum policy.

Despite being a national operator, Idea Cellular has long rued its absence in Mumbai, especially since it is present in Maharashtra, where it is the leader. Idea operates services across eleven circles - New Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, UP (west) and Kerala.

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