Telecom sector generated Rs 2.19 lakh cr rev in 2013-14

The government today said the telecom sector in 2013-14 generated over Rs 2.19 lakh crore revenue, which accounted for 1.93 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in a written reply to the Lok Sabha said that for 2013-14, revenue generated by telecom sector stood at Rs 2,19,357 crore and the GDP stood at Rs 1,13,45,056 crore. Telecom revenue was 1.93 percent of the GDP.

The Minister said for 2012-13, telecom revenue was Rs 2,07,498 crore whereas the GDP was Rs 99,88,540 crore and telecom revenue contributed 2.07 percent to the GDP.

The figures for 2011-12 stood at Rs 1,85,930 crore as telecom revenue and Rs 88,32,012 crore as GDP. Telecom revenue contributed 2.10 percent to the GDP.

"The government has formulated a comprehensive action plan which aims to address the issues in the telecom sector. These issues are broadly classified as related to policy strategies, broadband strategy, telecom infrastructure development, licensing and regulatory issues, management of spectrum and strategy for revival of public sector undertakings," Prasad said.

In reply to a separate query, Prasad said after the liberalisation of telecom sector, the investment decisions are taken by the entrepreneurs depending on market demand and supply.

"The government has created a favourable policy framework for attracting investment by permitting 100 percent FDI through FIPB route in telecom services and 100 percent in manufacturing of telecom products through automatic route," the Minister said.