Spice asks TDSAT to hear its petition fast

B K Modi-run Spice Communication today asked telecom tribunal TDSAT to expeditiously hear its petition challenging the government's decision to reject its application for pan-India GSM licence.

During the proceedings before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), counsel appearing for Spice said the company was suffering due to the faulty networth criteria adopted by the Department of Telecom(DoT).

"We are at a disadvantageous position as we are losing our market position and prestige .Our customers are going down," said the counsel.

He also brought TDSAT's attention to the fact that despite its direction to allot spectrum on seniority basis, Spice was ignored in Tamil Nadu circle, including Chennai.

"Even criteria is in our favour... We are eligible in Orissa also," he submitted. Rejecting Spice's application for 16 telecom circles, DoT alloted license in four circles of Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and Maharashtra. Spice already has operations in Punjab and Karnataka.

Earlier, justifying its stand, DoT had submitted that Spice furnished 'false' statement about the company's financial details.

In a written reply DoT had contended that Spice was considered for award of telecom licences only for four additional circles as it has a networth of Rs 350 crore only, making the company eligible only for six circles.