This decision has been taken by the board of directors of etisalat, after the Supreme Court of India revoked all telecom licences issued in January 2008 affecting telecommunications firms including etisalat’s joint venture EDB’s ability to operate from June 2. As unanimously resolved by the Board on Wednesday evening, “Etisalat DB will be taking steps to reduce operating costs, including the suspension of its network and services, pursuant to the terms of its UAS licences,” the phone company said in a statement. The decision will protect the interests of all stakeholders and would avoid incurring further costs at this time of rapid change and continued uncertainty in the Indian telecommunications sector. “The Emirates Telecommunications Corporation — etisalat believes that this is a sensible and wholly appropriate action under the circumstances,” the press release said.