Budget 2020: No substantial relief visible for telecom sector, says COAI

The crisis-ridden telecom industry on Saturday expressed disappointment at the Budget not spelling out any substantial relief for the ailing sector, which is saddled with Rs 1.47 lakh crore in unpaid statutory dues.

“From what we have seen so far, there appears to be no substantial relief for the telecom sector. Of course, we are waiting to see the details,” Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) Director General Rajan Mathews told PTI.

Mathews said that telecom not being included in the definition of infrastructure was a disappointment for the industry.

“The FM has talked about smart meters and Artificial Intelligence, and we will see how that translates into benefit for our sector,” he said.