NEW DELHI, INDIA: The recent cancellation of 122 telecom licences has claimed another victim. The UAE telecom major Etisalat has said that it will halt India operations. The decision came after the Board approval. The telco informed that it will take measures to suspend network and services and reduce operating cost in pursuant with UAS licence terms.

The company justified its action and said that it’s sensible and wholly appropriate to pull out under the present circumstances.

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Etisalat said that it would like to thank its subscribers in India for their trust and regrets any inconvenience caused.

The decision of the Supreme Court to revoke all 122 UAS licences issued by the Government of India in January 2008 has removed Etisalat DB ability to operate from June 2, 2012, the statement said.

The company is yet to make decision on participation in future auction. The company had 1.6 million customers as of Dec 31 and ranks 14th in a market of 15 operators.