Mired in controversy

Seventeen years after it was awarded, the second mobile phone licence, the most lucrative ever awarded by the State, is still embroiled in controversy, as competitors for the licence get their day in court, writes Michael Clifford

IT WAS the most lucrative licence ever awarded by the State, the most contentious, and after yesterday, it might well turn out to be the most expensive.

The saga of the awarding of the second mobile phone licence continues. Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that two of the losing bidders for the licence can now take an action against the State alleging that the process was unfair and improper. Both entities are claiming damages. If either or both are successful, the cost could run into tens if not hundreds of millions.