The Supreme Court today extended time till August 31 for the auction and grant of fresh 2G mobile service licences in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation case and further cited that operators having existing licence would continue till September 7.
The Supreme Court also refused to grant 400 days to the Government to complete the process of fresh auctioning of the 2G spectrum and licences but extended the deadline for it from June 2 to August 31, 2012.
It will be the big relief for the operators like MTS India (SSTL) and Uninor which are serious to continue the services among all new operators whose 2G mobile service licences were canceled by the Supreme Court in its 2G verdict on 2nd February 2012.
Pure CDMA Mobile and Data service provider, MTS India welcomes SC order to extend 2G operations till September 7 and said that "In the interest of more than 70 million affected customers, including more than 16 million customers of SSTL, the company had filed an application before the Supreme Court seeking a clarification that quashing of the licenses is to become operative simultaneously with the conclusion of the grant of licenses and auction process for allocation of 2G spectrum."
MTS further said "It is heartening to note, that the Honorable supreme court has clarified its position in favor of our plea. The said order comes as a huge relief to our customers, employees, investors and all members of the telecom ecosystem who are both directly and indirectly associated with SSTL."