business, Cheers Mobile, the brand of Etisalat DB, has advised its customers to
transfer their mobile number to another operator prior to the scheduled
suspension of Cheers Mobile services on 31/03/2012.
Etisalat to wind up telecom operations in India
Recently, Etisalat decided to shut its India mobile
operations after Supreme Court cancelled 15 licences held by its joint venture
Etisalat DB, as part of an investigation into the grant of 2G licences.
Recently, S Tel also indicated about closure of its telecom service.
According to the company, customers are encouraged to port
out their Cheers number to a network of their choice as soon as possible by
following the process prescribed by India’s telecommunications regulator the
TRAI.
The Supreme Court decision will affect about 1.67 million
subscribers and its employees. Most of its mobile users are in northern India.
The pullout will impact about Rs 2,500 crore in bank loans to the company.
Subscribers may visit www.cheersmobile.in or
call 121 for instructions on completing the transition.
Etisalat takes $829 million hit on Indian mobile income
Recently, Etisalat announced that it would take a $829
million hit on its Indian income after the Supreme Court cancelled all 15
mobile permits held by the Gulf carrier’s joint venture.
Etisalat said it would decide on any future participation in
the Indian market when there is clarity on a spectrum auction process and
regulatory policy.
In another development, Norway’s Telenor wrote down $721
million in licences and goodwill in India after all its 22 mobile permits were
quashed by the apex court.
