Hutchison Essar wins nod to operate in 6 areas

HONG KONG, Nov 20 (Reuters) Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd. (HTIL) said on Monday its Indian cellular unit had received letters of intent from the government that will enable it to operate in six licence areas of the country.

Hong Kong-based HTIL said its Hutchison Essar unit, which is India's third-biggest mobile operator and is looking to operate throughout the country, will be allowed to offer services in the North East, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Hutchison Essar expects to begin operating in those areas during 2007, said HTIL, a unit of Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. .

REUTERS SBA BD1919