Anatel Voids GSM Spectrum Auction

Brazil's telecoms regulator Anatel has voided its auction of GSM spectrum licenses for the states of Alagoas, Ceará, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and São Paulo, the regulator said in a statement.

Local phone company Unicel, the only bidder, was disqualified because it did not deposit a 10% guarantee along with its bid for the São Paulo license, as required by the bidding rules, Anatel said.

Unicel representative José Roberto Melo said they would appeal the decision, news service AE-Setorial quoted the official as saying.

The licenses were to allow each winning company to operate for 15 years, with an option to renew for another 15 years. The Unicel's bid for the São Paulo license was 93.8mn reais (US$43.5mn), local press reported.

Brazil's largest mobile phone companies Vivo, TIM and Claro are already active in the states covered by this auction.

BNamericas.com"

Posted to the site on 8th March 2006