CETMA has also asked for zero per cent excise duty
on finished goods and components like RF modulators and the Network
Interface Module. This will lower upfront costs for the operators
and hence subscribers, enable quicker penetration in metros and non
metros and faster implementation, earn more revenue for the government
from service charges and service taxes.
CETMA would also like sales tax to be at four per cent, preventing
fly by night operators and grey market from affecting legitimate sales
of the Indian manufacturer. The association also wants a lead time
of 90 days from the date of commercially clear purchase order for
the delivery of the STBs.
The implementation committee, says CETMA, should comprise of all relevant
and affected parties, like CETMA, broadcasters, MSOs, cable ops, government
and consumer interest groups. As regards BIS compliance for the STBs,
CETMA says self regulation by manufacturers is suggested by putting
a sticker mentioning 'BIS compliant'. BIS could then randomly pick
up and test STBs deployed, says CETMA. |
