Idea to get LoI for int'l long distance service

Aditya Birla group company Idea Cellular and US-based wireless operator Verizon are set to get the letters of intent (LoIs) for long distance services following the clearance of their applications by the department of telecommunications (DoT).

Official sources said the applications have been put forward for the approval of the telecom minister. While Idea is awaiting an LoI for international long distance (ILD) services, Verizon's application is for both national and international long distance services.

Idea has already got an NLD licence, and an ILD licence will fulfill its long distance aspirations. Verizon has Videocon as its Indian partner.

So far, 13 companies have been issued ILD licences. The last one to be issued the licence was Spice Communications in August this year. Nineteen companies have got NLD licences.