Uninor shuts telecom operations in Mumbai over SC order on 2G licences

Mumbai, February 17, 2013: Telecom operator Uninor closed down its mobile network operations in Mumbai on Sunday after the Supreme Court on Saturday ordered all operators that did not win spectrum in the previous auctions to close down services immediately.

Uninor, bound by law, had to comply with the order of the Supreme Court and announced that after the order no temporary license has been made available so that services could be closed down in an orderly manner and customers are able to port out.

The company intimated all its customers and business partners that for now the Uninor network in Mumbai will not be available after midnight on February 16, 2013.

Operations in six circles of Maharashtra and Goa, Gujarat, UP East, UP West, Bihar and Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh will continue as fresh spectrum for 20 years has already been secured.

Telenor Group announced that it secured fresh spectrum for the next 20 years in the six circles of Maharashtra (including Goa), Gujarat, UP East, UP West, Bihar (including Jharkhand) and Andhra Pradesh.

Uninor is likely to sign sign roaming agreements with other operators to ensure that all Uninor customers get seamless connectivity when travelling to Mumbai.

All Uninor customers from Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and other circles will continue to be able to use their Uninor phones in Mumbai.

"We have pursued every alternative possible to continue our operations in Mumbai until the new auction takes place. Now the Court has ordered an immediate closure of operations and no temporary license too is available to allow a gradual process. Unfortunately, we have no choice now but to follow the Court's order and close down our network immediately," said Sigve Brekke, Managing Director of Uninor.

"I deeply regret the consequences this has for our customers, employees and business partners - each of whom have been a part of a remarkable fight back last year. We will now make every effort, within the limitations of this Court order, to minimize the negative impact on all affected by this development," he added.

In a press statement, Uninor declared that it would extend all possible assistance to its employees in Mumbai for finding new employment opportunities.

This will include, among others, evaluating opportunities in other circles where Uninor operations continue and pursuing employment opportunities with other competitors in Mumbai.

Additionally, outplacement agencies will be hired to secure placements outside the company.