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Maran seeks sops to promote broadband

September 16, 2004 14:49 IST

Union IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran has sought fiscal incentives from the finance minister to increase broadband penetration in the country.

"I met the finance minister (P Chidambaram) yesterday because we need a lot of financial incentives for the broadband sector. He was very positive and said he would consult his department people and let us know," Maran told reporters at an award function in New Delhi.

"He (finance minister) is considering them (the incentives sought by DoT based on TRAI proposals) very strongly. I am sure he will come up with good measures and a positive response," Maran said.

Replying to a query that he was still discussing the broadband issue, which could delay the policy announcement, he said, "I am trying to give a complete package" and to a query whether the policy could come out this week, he said, "this week is still not over".

The finance minister needs time. There is no time-frame when he would get back to us" Maran said, adding the whole braodband policy is based on TRAI recommendation.

The telecom regulator had recommended a range of fiscal incentives that will go a long way in making broadband services affordable and easily accessible to the masses.

Lower broadband prices could be offered by a series of fiscal and physical sops. The current duty structure is about 33 per cent over and above eight per cent service tax.



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