Aditya Birla group firm Idea Cellular today moved telecom tribunal TDSAT seeking directions to DoT to issue it 3G spectrum in Punjab, where the allocation has been pending because of Idea’s merger with Spice Telecom.

It also sought directions to the Department of Telecom (DoT) for making necessary amendments in the licence terms so as to make Idea Cellular a licensor of 3G spectrum in Punjab.

Accepting the plea, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) issued notice to DoT and sought its response within two weeks. It has listed the matter for hearing on February 10.

Senior counsel, Mr A M Singhvi, representing Idea Cellular, said that following its merger with Spice Telecom, the latter doesn’t exists and all its rights be treated by DoT as those of the Aditya Birla group firm.

He submitted that despite several requests by the group, DoT has not amended Letter of Intent (LoI) and failed to issue 3G licence in Punjab to Idea Cellular.

Mr Singhvi said DoT was not issuing 3G spectrum (radio waves) to the company although, as per the agreement, it was to have been allotted in September. All the other 3G licence holders have already received spectrum by September 1.

He said Idea cellular had paid Rs 5,768 crore to get licenses of 3G mobile service in 11 circles and it had paid Rs 322 crore for the Punjab circle.

Of the 11 service areas, where (LoIs) have been granted to Idea — earmarking 3G spectrum, the company holds licences in 10 circles. In case of Punjab, however, the licence is being held by Spice.

The High courts of Gujarat and Delhi have approved the merger of Spice Communications with Idea. They sanctioned the scheme of amalgamation of the two companies.

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