NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest mobile phone operator, is considering buying Indian telecom operators with telco Tata Teleservices, its Indian JV partner, an executive director told the Economic Times.
Mutso Yamamoto was, however, quoted as saying that the…
NTT DoCoMo, Japan’s largest mobile phone operator, is considering buying Indian telecom operators with telco Tata Teleservices, its Indian JV partner, an executive director told the Economic Times.
Mutso Yamamoto was, however, quoted as saying that the regulatory framework in India would first need to become conducive to telecom consolidation.
In November 2008, NTT DoCoMo bought a 26% stake in Tata Teleservices for US$2.7bn. The joint venture Tata DoCoMo was then formed.
Last August, the Indian company denied rumours that DoCoMo would spend US$1bn to up its stake from 26% to 40%.
At the time, local reports explained that such a cash infusion would have helped Tata Teleservices better compete in India, which is the world’s fastest-growing mobile market with 14 different players.
In a separate report, DoCoMo expressed concern over a state ruling which prevents it from deploying 2G services in the lucrative Delhi circle. Yamamoto reportedly told the Economic Times that the government should give airwaves to companies that already have frequencies in the country, such as Tata DoCoMo, before allotting some to new players.
According to the Economic Times, only Reliance Communications and Swan Telecom have spectrum in this circle. Tata DoCoMo offers services in 18 of India’s 23 circles.
The company is also planning to become the first private telco to launch 3G services in India. The beginning of the services is scheduled for early November in nine circles.
Tata DoCoMo could not be reached for comment.
