Telcos seek cuts in levies, cheaper  funding  in  budget

NEW DELHI : elcos, struggling with falling revenue amid a hyper-competitive market, have sought a reduction in levies, including licence fees and spectrum usage charges, besides avenues to mobilize cheaper funds to improve infrastructure.

During Monday’s pre-budget consultations with the department of telecommunications, operators also sought the abolition of customs duties for 4G/5G-related network products, and a temporary halt to collection of universal services obligation fund (USOF) fee from telecom companies.

“Telecom companies have raised the issue of a cut in licence fee, and have sought a line of credit in the meeting.