Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd, that operates its telecom service under the MTS India brand confirms its participation in the upcoming spectrum auctions starting 11th March 2013. Company is in the process of drawing its final blue print for spectrum auctions based on the recent Notice Inviting Application (NIA). SSTL auction strategy to consider a range of variables including spectrum pricing, levels of competition etc. Government has confirmed that SSTL will be able to set off previous licence costs against the new auction prices.
Earlier, 21 of SSTL’s licenses were cancelled by the Honorable Supreme Court of India in an order dated 2nd February 2012. Due to this cancellation MTS India was force to initiate the process to inform its customers in 10 telecom circles which include Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, North East, Orissa and Punjab to port out to other telecom operators using MNP. SSTL’s 15% of total 14 million customer base are impacted from this operation shutdown. MTS Employees in the effected telecom circle will be absorbed in other circles, in-addition, care is being taken to place some of the employees in other Companies.
“I would like to confirm our intention to participate in the upcoming spectrum auctions in March 2013. We are in the process of drawing an optimal strategy for the auctions based on several factors including spectrum pricing, levels of competition etc. The intent is to now look at life beyond all the uncertainties and build an even stronger MTS brand in India. The go forward plan includes continuing with the Company’s focus on its data centric-voice enabled strategy in select circles.” commented Vsevolod Rozanov, President & CEO, Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd.