Hemant M Joshi,
Partner, Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP on Telecom,
Media and Technology
“The budget offers exciting opportunities to TMT sectors. GST roadmap, which states that GST will be implemented by end of year, would result in multiple layers of taxation and also avoid litigations. The budget encourages local manufacturing of electronics products. Although there are few negative aspects such as imposing 10% customs duty on specific telecom products and service tax on mobile and online advertising, overall the budget provides positive picture.”
The budget provides growth opportunities to telecom sector to provide enabling infrastructure. Modernization of cities and providing high speed connectivity to build smart cities will need roll out of new efficient technologies such as 4G and optic fibre deployment.
The emphasis on e-Governance, computerization, e-Visas, FDI in e-Commerce, digital classrooms, etc. will enable in the making of digital India and offer opportunities to IT and software companies. The new TV and radio channels proposed for farmers, north east and rural communities will help to reduce the information and digital divide.”
