Talking about the financially stressed telecom sector, the telecom minister Manoj Sinha said that the sector should facilitate Digital India and not just focus on revenue generation for the government. The views give boost to the sectorial viewpoint which says that spectrum charges, taxes and levies are too high.
The government raised Rs 3,48,467 crore through six airwave auctions between 2010 and 2016, and telcos hold the steep outgo on account of these as one of the major reasons for their Rs 7.7 lakh crore debt burden.
Telcos often claim that almost 30 paise of every rupee earned by them is paid as levy and taxes to the government.
Recently, the Telecom Commission extended the payments tenure for auctioned airwaves to 16 years from 12 years and lowered the interest rate on penalties on outstanding dues of telcos to 12% from 14%.
The Minister said: “Digital India has to be implemented, which will offer many benefits to other sectors as well. Telecom ministry should be seen as a facilitator, rather than a revenue generator. It’s a valid point.”
He added: “We’re coming out with the new telecom policy in March. Whatever fundamental changes we have to make, we’ll make in it.”
Telcos often claim that almost 30 paise of every rupee earned by them is paid as levy and taxes to the government.
Recently, the Telecom Commission extended the payments tenure for auctioned airwaves to 16 years from 12 years and lowered the interest rate on penalties on outstanding dues of telcos to 12% from 14%.
The Minister said: “Digital India has to be implemented, which will offer many benefits to other sectors as well. Telecom ministry should be seen as a facilitator, rather than a revenue generator. It’s a valid point.”
He added: “We’re coming out with the new telecom policy in March. Whatever fundamental changes we have to make, we’ll make in it.”
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