Sistema defers listing in India, to wait till 2G probe outcome

SSTL is a joint venture between Russia-based Sistema, the Russian government and Shyam Group of India

PTI | June 6, 2011



Amid uncertainty over the ongoing investigation into the 2G scam, Sistema Shyam TeleServices Ltd (SSTL), which offers services under the MTS brand, has deferred its plans to go public and list the company on the bourses.

"In this kind of the environment, I would say we would definitely have to see... what the outcome would be of the various investigations," SSTL President and CEO Vsevolod Rozanov told PTI.

The company wants to go public by listing on the Indian bourses. SSTL is a joint venture between Russia-based Sistema, the Russian government and Shyam Group of India.

The Russian Federation holds a 17.14 per cent stake in the company. Sistema is the majority shareholder with a 56 per cent participating interest and the remaining is with the Indian promoters.

The Indian telecom sector, which is one of the significant contributors to the country's GDP, is the focus of several investigations in connection to the allotment of 2G licences under the regime of former Telecom Minister A Raja.

"One has to see the rules of the game. We have to look at the outcome of these investigations, the rules of the proposed new telecom policy and the spectrum issue. We definitely need to wait until regulatory clearance arrives," Rozanov added.

In 2010, the Russian government's investment of Rs 2,698.8 crore in SSTL provided the company with additional financing that will help it to rapidly expand its high-speed data network across India during 2011.

The CAG had quantified a presumptive loss of over Rs 1.76 lakh crore due to the sale of 2G spectrum in 2008 by former Telecom Minister A Raja and the matter is being investigated by various agencies.

The company will complete three years of Indian operations in October with a total investment of USD 3 billion by the end of this year.

"Sistema has arranged USD 3 billion for overall commitment from the group on various operations, out of which around USD 2.4 billion to USD 2.5 billion has already been invested and the rest will be realised by the end of this year," Rozanov said.

SSTL offers mobile and data services in 20 circles out of 22 circles in the country. The company will soon offer services in the remaining circles within a week or so.

"Our network is present in 20 circles out of total 22 circles in the country. Will launch last two in few days in J&K and North East," Rozanov said added.

The company has over seven lakh data subscribers and overall, it has more than 11 million customers, including voice.

Comments

 

Other News

Monsoon session of parliament adjourns sine die

The Monsoon Session, 2026 of Parliament which commenced on July 20 was adjourned sine die on Thursday. The session provided 19 sittings spread over a period of 25 days.   During the session 11 Bills were introduced in Lok Sabha and 2 Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha. 12 B

Consumer Justice at a Crossroads

Over the past four decades, India`s consumer protection landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began with the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 as a simple mechanism to empower ordinary citizens has evolved into a comprehensive framework capable of addressing challenges ranging from mislea

Doctors, experts call for ban on junk food ads, mandate warning labels

More than 30 doctors, medical scientists and public health professionals have urged the government to take decisive action against the aggressive advertising and marketing of junk food, calling for a watershed ban on advertisements for foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) and ultra-processed foods (UPF

Asiatic Lion population rises from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025

On World Lion Day 2026, environment, forest and climate change Minister  Bhupender Yadav celebrated India’s remarkable journey in lion conservation and reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to protecting wildlife and biodiversity.   In a post on soc

Railways imposed ₹5.13 crore fine for food quality and hygiene violations

Indian Railways serve about 58 crore meals every year on an average. About only 0.0008% food quality related complaints are received on average. Based on complaints during the last three years, appropriate penal actions have been taken by IRCTC. Such actions include imposition of fines amounting to ₹5.13

STHAVAR: Why every Indian built asset needs a permanent digital identity

India has built digital systems for identity, payments, taxation, documents, logistics and public services. State governments, ministries, infrastructure agencies and urban local bodies have also created portals for land records, building permissions, project monitoring, property taxation and municipal s

Upcoming Conferences



-->

Archives

Current Issue

Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Linkedin Subscribe Newsletter

Twitter