The Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (Dipa) has urged for a flexible regulatory and policy framework, including favorable goods and services tax (GST) norms, leading up to the Union Budget 2024. TR Dua, Director-General of Dipa, emphasized the need for the budget to delineate supportive policies and simplified regulations to foster the growth of the telecom infrastructure industry.
Dipa, based in Delhi, has formally communicated its appeal to Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, seeking backing for the telecom infrastructure sector in the upcoming budget. The association represents key players in the industry, including Pratap Technocrats, Crest Digitel American Tower Corporation, Indus Towers, Ascend Telecom, Summit Digitel, IBUS Networks, and Suyog Telematics.
Telecom infrastructure firms, collectively represented by Dipa, have requested the central government’s support for input tax credit availability on telecom towers. Additionally, they seek an increase in the tax depreciation rate from 15% to 65% on batteries used for industrial or commercial purposes to ensure cost recovery. Furthermore, the group advocates for the rationalization of Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) provisions related to the purchase of electricity and fuel for operating telecom sites. TR Dua emphasized that adopting measures to enhance the ease of doing business will attract more investment, contributing to the long-term growth of the telecom industry. Over the years, telecom infrastructure providers have deployed more than 7.7 lakh towers hosting 27 lakh base transceiver stations across the country.
