Videocon Telecom shutting down all operations from February 15

Videocon Telecom is shutting down its operations in the Punjab circle from February 15 and has asked its 3 million customers to switch to other operators to ensure continuity of services. This brings to end Videocon’s mobile services in the entire country.

According to a notice on the company’s website, prepaid customers need to exhaust their balance and subscribers being billed monthly should clear their dues before moving to other carriers.

Videocon’s mobile network operations are owned by Mohali-based Quadrant Technologies. According to TRAI’s recent telecom data, Quadrant had 29.78 lakh subscribers in Punjab circle as of October 2016. Out of this only, 49.53 percent of subscribers were active users during the same time-period.

The move will affect about 100 employees in the mobile service business in the state, who are likely to be absorbed in Videocon’s other divisions in the state, reports ET.

Citing people in the know of things, the report says that after incurring losses, the company was not keen to invest further in the business because it was not sure whether the validity of its spectrum holdings in the circle would be extended till 2027.

The company originally got the basic telecom licence in Punjab in September 1997 for 20 years. The spectrum is up for renewal in October and a decision on its validity is pending with the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal.

With Videocon’s calling it quits, the spectrum will go back to the government, which could auction the airwaves.