ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance had invited cellular mobile industry in their meeting on June 17 to get an input on the budget proposals related to the telecom industry.
The representatives of three mobile operators provided suggestions on the rationalisation of the general sales tax (GST) on telecom services, as well as a reduction in taxation, which the industry is already raising at various fora. An Increase of any additional duties such as on the import of fibre also came under discussion during the meeting, which will potentially slow down the enhancement of fibre infrastructure, critical for internet connectivity across the country.
The difficulties being faced by the operators, including the current spell of electricity outages as the potential impediment to the provision of round-the-clock mobile services was also highlighted. However, in a section of the media, it was portrayed as if power cuts of mobile phone services would also be started. This is incorrect and out-of-context. The mobile operators are governed under the licence conditions, rules and regulations issued by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The operators are required to provide uninterrupted telecom services to the subscribers and in case they don’t, the regulator has relevant provisions to take appropriate action.