09 September 2008
Idea Cellular, India's fifth largest mobile operator, is buying smaller rival Spice Communications in a deal worth nearly $800m as consolidation continues. Idea is also selling a stake in the combined entity to Telekom Malaysia for $1.8bn, as it seeks to catch up with Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications and Vodafone Essar, who dominate India's competitive mobile telecoms market.