Uninor network in Mumbai to close down by midnight on February 16, 2013

The Supreme Court order and no temporary license compels Uninor to close down Mumbai operations immediately. No impact on operations in six circles including Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat since Telenor Group has already secured fresh spectrum for 20 years and services will continue

February 16, 2012

New Delhi/Mumbai. The Hon'ble Supreme Court yesterday ordered all operators that did not win spectrum in the previous auctions to close down services immediately. Further, no temporary license too is available such that services can be closed down in an orderly manner and customers are able to port out. Uninor is bound by law to comply with the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and will therefore have to close down its mobile network immediately. The company hereby advises 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 has 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 will also 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"

Seeking placements with other operators

Uninor will 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.

Full settlement towards trade and possibility to redeploy network infrastructure

Uninor will ensure a transparent and comprehensive settlement towards all its distributors and retailers. The company will also engage with its business partners to evaluate the possibility of redeploying network infrastructure to other circles such as Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat where Uninor operations are continuing.