Idea Cellular seems to be in a fix. The Department of Telecom (DoT) has asked Idea Cellular to surrender its license held in Karnataka and Punjab.

Idea Cellular got hold of licenses in the two circles after its acquisition of Spice Communication in June. The best part is that though Idea Cellular is ready to surrender its license the DoT will not be refunding the license fees amounting to Rs. 300 crore. But the company is ardent about the refund.

Idea Cellular will not hamper its own operations on surrendering the license as it will continue its presence via Spice Communications. On the other hand Spice Communications acquired licenses in four circles – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. Idea revealed that it would willingly surrender or demerge the licenses of the four circles.

The mega acquisition has caused a lot of harm (in terms of money) for both the telecom companies. Both the companies have been wading troubled waters since the acquisition. We hope to hear some good news in the near future.