Ministry earns over 56.9 billion kip from telecom enterprises
Ministry earns over 56.9 billion kip from telecom enterprises
Some 56.9 billion kip in service charges from radio frequencies and issuing digits for a number of telecom enterprises this fiscal year 2013-14 was collected by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
A senior ministry official has unveiled that more than 49.2 billion kip remains unpaid by several telecom and internet companies operating in Laos. This amount of money is set to be collected in the upcoming fiscal year 2014-15.
The amount collected was released at a recent function hosted by Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in Vientiane which was also attended by various general directors, managing directors of telecom companies and other senior ministry officials.
In 2013-14, the Lao Telecommunications Company Limited paid the ministry 15.8 billion kip, while Star Telecom Company paid more than 16.1 billion kip including previous debts of 3.5 billion kip.
Meanwhile some telecom and internet companies remain unable to pay the service charges for the radio frequencies and digits but have asked to defer the payments until the upcoming fiscal year.
At the function LTC General Director Mr Thongsay Xanexaya and Chairman of the Executive Board of Star Telecom Company Mr Oulaha Thongvantha were awarded certificates of congratulation for their active contribution to revenue collection.
Speaking at the gathering, Minister of Post and Telecommunications Mr Hiem Phommachan said the growth of Lao Telecom enterprises was on the rise over the past few years. He said it was a key element for social and economic development as well as a significant contribution to the national budget.
“Over the past years, a number of companies have also supported social activities. That is an es sential contribution to society,” he said.
In accordance with the law, the telecom companies are required to pay the tax and service fees, especially for radio frequencies and digit reg istration.
“In 2013-14, the telecom sector has become one of the leading income earners for the national budget because of the contribution of some companies,” he said, adding that many enterprises still need to follow the regulations strictly by paying the full amount of fees year on year.
Mr Hiem also called for all telecom companies and the internet operators in Laos to be more active in paying the fees of radio frequencies and digits registration over the coming years.
Ministry of Post and Telecommunications is now working on drafting laws and regulations to manage the telecom businesses' operations to benefit operators and the government as well as protecting the rights of customers.
vientiane times
