Idea in buyout talks with 3 cell firms

 Idea Cellular is looking out for acquisitions to widen its cellular footprint and is holding talks with three members of the MobileFirst alliance - RPG Cellular, Escotel Mobile and Spice Communications.

 The three-way venture between the Tatas, Birlas and US telecom giant AT&T is in various stages of discussion with the promoters of the three firms for either buying out the entire company or acquiring interest in select circles, sources close to the development said.

 If successful, Idea Cellular will be among the largest cellular operators in the country with over 3 million subscribers coming its way following the consolidation.

 MobileFirst was incorporated early this year to leverage synergies and enhance value through roaming, long distance calling and other services.

 It also helped members to share ideas and costs related to marketing. It is, however, still not clear whether the alliance will continue as the members are negotiating with Idea Cellular.

 At present, Idea Cellular has over 1.5 million subscribers in the five circles - Maharashtra & Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi - where it operates.

 Sources close to Idea Cellular said: