As per industry sources, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is planning to hold a meeting with industry stakeholders and various associations on January 6, 2020.
In the meeting, DoT plans to discuss the budget wishlist and outstanding issues of the sector.
As per sources, DoT would be supportive of the industry’s demand for reduction in levies, both licence fee and Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC). Further, the DoT will formally communicate its suggestions to the finance ministry soon after the meeting.
Various mobile operators and industry bodies including Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) and Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association (TAIPA) are expected to be present at the meeting.
The industry has also asked the government to create an infrastructure bank that will raise tax-free bonds, the proceeds of which can be used to lend to the companies at lower rates.
