Sibal takes stock as TRAI seeks cancellation of over half of 2G spectrum licences

Kapil Sibal, who is in charge of the telecom ministry, is reported to have summoned top officials of the ministry soon after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended cancellation of 69 licences issued to six companies as these companies failed to meet licence obligations.

The six firms, which received a total of 69 licences, failed to roll out network in the stipulated period and beyond, TRAI pointed out while recommending cancellation of their licences.

Sibal's move is seen as one aimed at a shake-up of the telecom ministry and, reports say, some key officials who worked under former telecom minister A Raja may face the axe.

TRAI wanted DoT to cancel licences issued to Etisalat DB (formerly Swan Telecom) in at least 15 circles.

The CAG report had identified Swan as a front company of Anil Ambani group during the 2G spectrum licensing in 2008.

Besides, it has recommended cancellation of licences in 10 circles issued to Sistema-Shyam, 8 licences issued to Unitech group's Uninor, 10 licences issued to Videocon and 19 licences of Loop Telecom.