Mobile phones, which are imported into the country, will become expensive by about 5 per cent and domestically manufactured mobile phones will become expensive by about one per cent, according to the Indian Cellular Association.
“The industry which is already facing a challenge from the unbranded and sub-standard Chinese mobile phones could face a further challenge because of this,” said Mr Pankaj Mohindroo, President, Indian Cellular Association.
While Nokia said that there could be an increase in handset price, Indian brands said that they will absorb the impact of higher excise duties.
“As a socially responsible brand, we have taken a conscious decision not to burden them further by any resultant or ensuing price rise. We shall not pass it on to the customer and absorb it completely for the larger benefit of this segment of buyers, irrespective of what others brand in competition resort to,” said Mr Arshit Pathak, Managing Director, Kingtech Electronics (owns the G'Five brand phones).
Keywords: Budget, reactions, mobile phones, Arshit Pathak
