It has emerged that Irish communications firm Sigma Wireless is now the full owner of the Persona operation which failed to win the third GSM licence in 1995. It is believed that Performa could yet win substantial damages over the loss of its licence.
It emerged that Sigma became full owner of Performa following the withdrawal of previous partners Motorola, ESB Telecoms and Unisource.
Although Sigma is not operating as a mobile telephone company, the main value of the company is that it may become the claimant of substantial damages from the Government over the loss of the licence to Esat Digifone.
The case is currently awaiting the outcome of the Moriarty Tribunal’s investigation into the award of the licence.
It is understood, however, that Persona will sue the State for damages arising out of its running for the GSM competition in 1995, regardless of the Tribunal’s findings.
By John Kennedy
