Uninor, which is 67% owned by Norway’s Telenor, has apparently ruled itself out of bidding for 3G spectrum in India. In an emailed statement, the operator noted that its current focus is on strengthening the service in existing circles and launching additional circles this year. It added that it saw “other opportunities and routes to get into 3G at a stage when the market is really ready for it and the demand makes for a sound business case.”
Uninor launched operations in India late last year, providing services in 8 out of India’s 22 telecom service areas with plans to expand to Mumbai, Maharashtra, Kolkata, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh in the next few months.
Previously, the carrier hinted that it would consider buying spectrum in some regional circles, but has obviously changed its mind in the meantime.
In related news, the Indian government has already received at least eight applications from companies wanting to participate in the 3G and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) spectrum auctions. According to RTT News, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Tata Teleservices and Etisalat have submitted papers to bid for the 3G spectrum; while Tikona, Tata Communications and Qualcomm have put in bids for the BWA spectrum. Vodafone Essar has applied for both. Other companies, including Aircel and Idea Cellular, are expected to submit their bids, as well.
[Via: MobileBusinessBriefing]