As per a few news reports, Qualcomm could lose $1Bn India mobile license, as the company failed to submit permit applications for mobile broadband services in time.
According to senior DoT officials, Qualcomm was required to submit its application for an ISP licence within 3 months of the conclusion of the BWA (broadband wireless access) auction in June 2010. The regulator claimed it did not receive Qualcomm’s paperwork until December 2010.
Important to note that Qualcomm won air waves in four circles (Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala and Haryana) and paid Rs.4,912.54 crore for the spectrum.
Though Qualcomm denies this report, Livemint reports that Qualcomm application for ISP license has been rejected by DoT.
“It is noted that you have submitted the names of your nominee companies for obtaining ISP licence to WPC (wireless planning and coordination) wing of DoT only on 20.12.2010, which was beyond the validity period for applying or otherwise acquiring the relevant licence,” – DoT Letter.
Qualcomm created four firms in each circle where it won spectrum and these companies had applied for the licences. But there was no letter from Qualcomm stating that these companies were its nominees.
