2G:Idea Cellular was apprehensive about changes in FCFS policy

NEW DELHI: A top official of Idea Cellular Ltd today told a Delhi court that his company had applied for the 2G licences in 2006 ahead of others as per the first-come- first-served policy but were "apprehensive" due to last-minute changes giving priority to those making payments first.

Rahul Vats, Assistant Vice President of Idea Cellular Ltd, said that as per the January 10, 2008 press release issued by the DoT, the first-come-first served policy would mean that those who comply first and make the payment first would be the first one entitled to get the Unified Access Services Licences ( UASL).

"The earlier licence received by us was in December 2006 and that was issued under the guidelines of December 2005. In 2006, those who had applied first were granted the licence first, whereas the understanding given by the new policy was that those who comply first and make the payment first would get the licence first," he told Special CBI Judge O P Saini.