Qualcomm to get internet licence in India

The government has finally agreed to grant an internet service licence to Qualcomm Inc, allowing the US-based chipmaker to launch broadband services in India.

The department of telecommunications had initially rejected Qualcom's application for launching broadband services, citing delay in applying for the Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence.

Telecom secretary R Chandrashekhar today said the government has agreed to grant ISP licence to Qualcom, which has invested $1 billion to buy spectrum in 22 telecom circles in the country.

Qualcom needs an Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence to launch broadband services in the country.

Qualcomm, which missed the deadline for applying for the ISP licence, also erred in applying for four separate licences instead of applying for just one, the telecom ministry pointed out.

Qualcomm, however, claimed that the company had fully complied with the application process and was working with the Indian authorities to resolve the matter.