Shyam Telelink has secured its pan-Indian CDMA spectrum, according to a Business Standard report. The move sees the start-up operator – majority owned by Russian congolomerate Sistema – set to launch services in 21 circles. Earlier this year the operator announced its vendors for the deployment and said it will invest at least US$5 billion in expanding the network.

Other new operators in the country include Datacom, Unitech, Loop Telecom and Swan Telecom, which have been allotted GSM licenses. Meanwhile, at least four operators – including America Movil, Etisalat, Turkcell and France Telecom – are in negotiations to take a rumoured US$3 billion stake in Datacom, reports Cellular News. According to Wireless Intelligence, India is the second-largest mobile market in the world, making it an attractive market for investment. The country is set to complete 3G license auctions by the end of the year.