Brazil court seen ruling Wed on key cellphone case
Reuters, Wednesday, March 25, 1998 at 09:49
BRASILIA, March 25 (Reuters) - A Brazilian high court was
expected Wednesday to rule in a mobile phone license dispute,
clearing the way for a resumption of the privatization of the
country's key cellular sector, officials said.
"The case will be taken up this afternoon, sometime after
1400 (local/1000 EST)," said a spokesman for the Superior Court
of Justice (STJ).
The STJ's failure to act on the Tess group's appeal of its
disqualification from bidding on a license to operate in Sao
Paulo state has held up the sale of Brazil's cellular B Band
frequency since September.
Tess, which includes Sweden's Telia, offered the highest
bid for B Band area No. 2 concession but was later disqualified
by the Communications Ministry.
The issue has case has prevented the government from
proceeding with the granting of five remaining licenses of the
10 B Band concessions tendered last April. Experts said further
delays may prompt bidders to drop offers when they come up for
renewal on April 7.
Some analysts have said Tess, which offered 1.326 billion
reais for the license, may well get the STJ to overturn its
disqualification.
If that happens, they said, it is doubtful the ministry
will appeal. If Tess loses, the area No. 2 winner will be the
Telet group.
2485413;james.craig@reuters.com))
Copyright 1998, Reuters News Service |
