Telcos seek abolition of USO levy, reduction in licence fees

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents telecom companies like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has reiterated its demand to abolish the universal services obligation fund (USOF) levy, reduction in licence fee, exemptions on customs duty on import of telecom equipment and goods and services tax (GST), among other things.

The association has suggested these measures to the finance ministry ahead of the Union Budget, which will be presented in the Parliament on July 23.