Disqus
The N96 has GPS AND TV - would that be a proposed tax double-whammy?
The EC is considering putting a 14% import tax on handsets with integrated GPS or TV!
Apparently there are already import taxes on devices with external TV tuners, but Mobiles are currently exempt – however the EC believes that since the Mobiles can do more than simple phone functions, then they ought to be subject to different taxes. The effect this would have is to penalise those handset vendors external to the EU, which would include the likes of Samsung, and LG, amongst others.
Non-EU vendors though are claiming the actual effect of that tax might be up to 25%, and the “European Information and Communications Technology Association” (which includes companies like Apple, Motorola, and LG) is lobbying strongly against the proposed tax changes.
Well, well – not a good suggestion in my view, and one which would create a number of issues – ultimately though, more expensive handsets for you and me 
[Story via: rethink-wireless.com / Image via: nseries.com]
About The Author
Ben Robinson
Ben is a 10+ year veteran of the Mobile industry – starting his career when SMS was a still a relatively new concept for most people (!), he has now consulted on everything from bleeding-edge Mobile content, to the next-gen accessories you might view it on. As a result he has a broad and deep knowledge in numerous areas of Mobile – from network operators to device vendors, to infrastructure and middleware vendors (not to mention content delivery) – and has worked for companies in all of these areas! He is based in the UK, a hotbed of activity for mobile, and recently became a father for the second time – as oppose to in his younger years when he was happy spend time tweaking all manner of mobile devices to 'nth' degree, he now looks for services and hardware that provide the most efficient, compact, and reliable improvements to his already manic life! It’s his opinion that Mobile solutions should be there to help to make your life better – if a particular solution (be it service or device) isn’t doing this, he believes you need to ask the very important question of why you continue to use it... His focus at IntoMobile is mainly on Mobile content, services, and infrastructure, particularly as regards the UK market – and with the occasional look at devices. Additionally, using his extensive experience in the industry, he will provide commentary on the industry at large, with regular (and hopefully thought-provoking) articles.
