SSTL to be only bidder in auction

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will go ahead with the auction of 800MHz CDMA spectrum on 11 March despite registering Russian-backed cellco Sistema Shyam TeleServices (SSTL) as the only bidder. Telecom Lead writes that the watchdog has received no interest in GSM frequencies from operators and will postpone the sale of 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum. SSTL, which offers services under the MTS India brand, recently cut back the scope of its operations, closing down in ten circles to conserve its resources. As previously noted by CommsUpdate, SSTL was obliged to participate in the auction to keep providing services, after the Supreme Court rejected its appeal against the cancellation of its licences.