Seven key events in the mobile phone industry to watch out for in 2017

Indian telecom and mobile phone industry is perhaps the most competitive in the world. ET looks at key events, not necessarily in the given order, that the industry, consumers and sector watchers will look out for in 2017, which will further shape the way the industry moves in the coming years.

Next Samsung phone – S8?

The South Korean phone giant’s next model is perhaps the most awaited, as everyone wants to know whether this one can take the mantle forward from the successful Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. It will also be the first premium device for the co which has seen its last model – Note 7 – literally go up in flames.

Return of Nokia

The Finnish smartphone maker is set to return to the race in 2017, and speculation is that the company may look at giving consumers the first peep at MWC. HMD is making the smartphones with Nokia branding, and it is likely to bring at least four smartphones at this year’s MWC. We all await…

Jio’s free data plan

Reliance Jio has caught the imagination of a global audience with its free voice and data plans, in one of the most populated mobile phone markets worldwide. Amid the clamour from competition on how can freebies be allowed to be continued, consumers would definitely be wanting to know what Jio does next – is more free data possible?

0 years since iPhone

Apple followers have long predicted that the Cupertino major will rock the smartphone world with the 2017 model of iPhone, which will come as the device completes a decade from the time Steve Jobs made smartphone a reality. However, counter speculation is rife that the next model may well be an iPhone7s – a slight modification over the iPhone7 instead of a full blown all-new avatar.

Consolidation

The consolidation spree that kicked off last year with RCom announcing acquisition of Sistema Shyam Teleservices and merger of its wireless business with Aircel’s, is continuing, with talks of Airtel acquiring Telenor India doing rounds. Besides, the tower sector will also see some mergers and acquisitions. Bharti Infratel has been put on the block while Idea Cellular is reportedly looking to sell 100% in its tower arm.

Telecom policy reforms

DoT has so far undertaken various reforms such as spectrum harmonisation, spectrum trading and sharing, transparent allocation of airwaves through auctions, Right of Way rules and eKYC guidelines.

The Department of Telecom is planning to start work on the new telecom policy from 2017 to facilitate growth of the sector and meet requirements of next generation technologies. It will start working on the new policy in April 2017.

GST impact on telecom and handset industries

Handset makers in India are awaiting goods and services tax (GST) rates, which will help them finalise their Make in India and expansion plans in the country.

Previously, they asked the government to continue differential duty advantage under GST regime, and deincentivise import of fully built mobile phones by imposing higher rate than on locally produced phones. Further, they proposed nil or 1% Central GST and State GST at merit rate of 5% on all phones and tablets, whether imported or made locally, and on inputs, parts and components.

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