[Satellite Today 07-17-09] The Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) believes new regulations introduced by the Indian government could have a detrimental effect for satellite pay-TV operators, according to a statement released July 16.
     The statement is in response to a July 6 announcement from Indian finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, who introduced a 5 percent customs tax on importing set-top boxes while reducing duties on LCD televisions from 10 percent to 5 percent.
    In the statement, CASBAA noted that imported telecoms equipment is exempt from basic customs duty, but the basic duties for imported head-end equipment for cable TV and satellite TV systems can vary from 7.5 percent to 10 percent.
    “The broadcast industry still needs government support in the form of a reasonable (and reasoned) tax environment if it is to grow further,” Simon Twiston Davies, CASBAA CEO, said in the statement.