Norway-headquartered Telenor Group looks determined to remain a player in India’s burgeoning telecoms market.
The telco on Friday submitted an application to be considered for a forthcoming auction of 1800-MHz spectrum in the country, via its wholly-owned subsidiary Telewings Communications Services Private.
Telenor claims it has supplied all necessary paperwork and financial guarantees to be considered as a bidder in the auction, however, the firm states it will make its final decision on whether to proceed before the sale process begins.
Part of that decision could hinge on whether the firm can secure a new local partner to run the operation. A statement reveals Telenor is still scouting for a replacement for Unitech, which it was granted clearance to sever ties with by an Indian court last month following the withdrawal of its 2G operating license in February.
Even if it does find a new partner, Telenor will then need to seek approval from India’s telecoms authorities to transfer the assets of its former business, Uninor, into the new firm.