The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) asked the government to introduce a single tax structure in the country’s telecom sector with the initial priority to implement a single central tax and then single state tax calculated on basis of AGR.

As part of its ‘Economic Agenda for Action: CII suggestions’ conference, the industry body also asked the government to lower the licence fee to a flat rate of 0.5-1%. IT said that 5% towards the USOF should be collected till the time the entire country is covered and then be withdrawn.

CII asked the government to provide incentives for broadband growth in the country. IT called the government to work towards unbundling of local loop while also offering tax breaks to make CPE more affordable.

CII also said that operators should get spectrum when required. It said that telecom tower infrastructure should be treated as public utility services.

CII said that there should be a single window clearance to facilitate quicker clearances.