Brace for higher broadband and mobile bills from next month as GST (Goods and Services Tax ) kicks in from July 1. Telecom services have been put under the 18 per cent bracket under the new tax regime compared to the 15 per cent tax levied in the pre-GST regime. "There will be a 3 per cent increase in the bills as the tax incidence goes up to 18 per cent from 15 per cent, which will reflect in your bills," an Airtel official said. Similarly, for prepaid customers, the effective talk-time will be reduced, July onwards.The GST rate of 18 per cent for telecom services has left the industry disappointed. Mobile service providers such as Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular are broadly banded under the lobby group.

Source: Times of India June 29, 2017 10:34 UTC