Budget 2022 to provide impetus to Digital India initiative, but no cut in levies is disappointing, says Telecom sector body

In a major push to telecom sector, FM Sitharaman on Tuesday promised to roll out 5G, enhance broadband services in rural areas, and boost local manufacturing under the productivity-linked incentive scheme in the Union Budget for 2022-23.

Hailing the budget, Lt. Gen. Dr. SP Kochhar, DG COAI, said, “The Union Budget of the year 2022-23 is pro-growth with emphasis on providing further impetus to the Digital India initiative. We are glad to see the focus on the enhancement of digital connectivity and the announcement for the required spectrum auction in 2022 for the rollout of 5G mobile services. The proposal for taking progressive decisions in encouraging affordable broadband and mobile services through facilitating PLI scheme for 5G equipment, laying optical fiber cables through PPP model under BharatNet project are welcome steps. We are committed to fulfilling the Digital India Vision of our Honorable PM. However, we are a bit disappointed that our long standing demands remain unaddressed. We look forward to continued and constructive engagement with the Government for reduction of levies on the telecom sector.”