The Telecommunications Department (DoT) has asked Idea Cellular and

Spice Communications to pay total penalty of Rs 27.65 crore by the

second week of next month for delay in the rollout of services in five

circles.

Idea Cellular has been served notice for missing the rollout obligation

in Karnataka and Punjab service areas, whereas Spice Communications has

been served notice for Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra circle.

In the notice, Idea and Spice have been asked to pay Rs 7 crore each for

delay of over 52 weeks in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh circles.

For Punjab circle, Idea has been asked to pay Rs 4.55 crore liquidated

damages for delay of 39 weeks in meeting rollout obligation. Spice

Communications has been asked to pay similar amount for 39-week delay in Haryana and Maharashtra circles.

The notice was issued on April 21 and both the companies have been asked

to pay the liquidated damages within 15 days from the issuance of the

notice.

When contacted, Idea Cellular spokesperson declined to comment.