Channels go off air over tariff row with cable operators
In keeping with a new order by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), referred to as NTO 3.0, the broadcasters had effected a hike of 10-15 per cent on channel offerings, which didn’t sit well with a group of cable operators, who contended that this will impact consumers as well as their own business. Key Points
The Indian ExpressTravel firms urge govt to defer TCS on overseas trips
Travel firms and operators in India are seeking a deferment of the October 1 deadline for a 20% tax collected at source (TCS) on spending above Rs 7 lakh on overseas tours. They argue that there is no proper mechanism to monitor spending across multiple sources, and that the responsibility for tracking these expenses should lie with the banking system rather than travel operators. Key Points
Economic TimesNo withholding tax on discount on prepaid SIM cards, recharge vouchers: Supreme Court
Supreme Court ruled discounts on SIM cards won't trigger withholding tax. Telecom operators not liable without commission payments. CBDT should issue Key Points
Times Of IndiaChinese company Itel brings out 5G mobile priced at less than Rs 10,000
The brand, owned by Transsion Group, has devised an omnichannel strategy to sell the smartphone. It has tied up with Amazon for online sales, besides partnering general trade retailers to target smaller towns and cities, chief executive Arijeet Talapatra told ET. He said the brand has ensured enough stocks to cater to the large but shrinking sub-'10,000 segment in the country. Key Points
Economic TimesOn the eve of World Cup final, tussle over charging model for charter aircraft at Ahmedabad airport
Though a notice issued on November 7 by Airport Economic Regulatory Authority warned airports against charging business jet operators for optional services, private jet operators said the airport is not approving flights without payment of those. The AERA fixes tariffs for major airports. Key Points
Economic Times
Telcos' switch to full-fledged tech companies inevitable: Azhar Sayeed, Red Hat
It's a universal trend...but in India, there are probably a few more levels. The telco to techco transformation has to happen. It's not an if, but when. It is almost an existential crisis, Red Hat chief technologist Azhar Sayeed told ET. Key Points
Economic TimesVoda Idea's survival critical for Indus Towers, says Bharti Enterprises' Akhil Gupta
Akhil Gupta, vice chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has stated that the survival of Vodafone Idea (Vi) is crucial for the growth of Indus Towers, in which Bharti Airtel holds the largest stake. Gupta believes that Vi's investment in 4G and eventual rollout of 5G will drive Indus' growth. He also expects 5G monetization to come from increased data consumption and fixed wireless services, with potential for accelerated fixed broadband adoption. Gupta emphasized the importance of having three fully functional private operators in the Indian telecom industry. Key Points
Economic TimesTelcos free to take a call on shutting down 2G services, says DoT
Experts feel that 2G technology is likely to remain mainstream in India at least for the next two-three years as a good number of people still use it, particularly those who can't afford a smartphone. As per industry data, around 50 million 2G phones are sold in a year while there are over 500,000 2G base tower stations in the country, majority owned by Bharti Airtel, followed by Vodafone Idea and state-run BSNL/MTNL. Key Points
Economic TimesKerala Tourism takes to the skies with 'helitaxi' adventures
Kerala launches Helitaxi for scenic air tours, aiming to boost 'heli tourism'. Kochi hub to connect multiple destinations initially; no airstrip development planned. Operator-based MoUs, competitive pricing, safety adherence emphasized. Future phase may expand to Bekal with a facilitative government role, exploring public-private partnerships. Key Points
Economic TimesMIB to bring OTT, digital news under proposed new broadcasting services legislation
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has opened public consultation on the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, designed to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995. The proposed legislation aims to streamline regulatory processes, encompassing Over-The-Top (OTT) and digital news platforms, and update definitions and provisions for emerging technologies. Key Points
Economic Times
Mahadev betting syndicate resurfaces with new avatars, deepfake tactics
These proxy websites have resurfaced with new betting games under different labels. The banned URL Parimatch has become pari-match-bet.in, Lotus365 is now lotus365.co while Fairplay has become fair-play.com.in or fairplay24.in. Key Points
Economic TimesFinal ONDC sellerto be liable for TCS, CBDT clarifies
In detailed guidelines, the CBDT said TCS will be collected on the gross amount charged to the customer. In case the buyer receives a discount, the TCS will be on the final invoice raised to the buyer irrespective of whether the first e-commerce operator is offering the discount or the second. The CBDT also said in case of purchase of goods which are not under the purview of Goods and Services Tax, the TDS will be applicable on the amount without including state levies, VAT or other tax. Key Points
Economic TimesGogoro to make e-scooter bikes in India, rolls out battery swap network
Taiwan's Gogoro (GGR.O) has started manufacturing electric scooter bikes in India and will set up around 100 battery swap stations by mid-2024, its CEO said on Tuesday, marking its entry into one of the world's fastest-growing vehicle markets. Key Points
ReutersJuniper eyes aviation industry as a part of captive 5G play
We are in talks with many players including large airport operators. In some airports, we have a large presence in the IT infrastructure space,” Sajan Paul, Managing Director & Country Manager, India & SAARC at Juniper Networks told ET. Key Points
Economic TimesTelcos set to report 5G users separately
Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio have been offering 5G services since October but so far, the telcos have not started reporting the number of users using that technology. Trai will soon issue a directive to telecom operators regarding reporting of 5G subscribers, an official privy to the details told ET. Trai has also written to the Vodafone Idea, seeking information about their 5G launch plans. Key Points
Economic Times
Regulators instruct telecom operators to promptly notify of any network disruption
Telecom operators must report to the TRAI in case of continuous outages for a period of more than four hours. The report must be submitted within 24 hours of their occurrence, says TRAI. Key Points
mintSoft skills matter to telcos in 5G mode
Operators are broadening the skillset and being flexible while hiring employees in the 5G age with requirements like technology majors with a minor in design or engineers who have done a course in psychology, telecom executives and staffing firms said. This is an attempt to better sync the workforce with consumer and market demands and build more intuitive products and services. Key Points
Economic TimesWhy industry is looking at subscription services to monetise 5G
Trade experts and insiders said the conversations have moved beyond upload speeds and faster download data. Instead, the industry is thinking about how to capitalise on the value of 5G. Key Points
The Indian ExpressFreight issue resolved, two Adani cement plants to resume ops
The truck operators and Adani Group have agreed on ₹10.30 per tonne per kilometre for single-axle trucks and ₹9.30 for multi-axle trucks Key Points
Hindustan Times