Qualcomm and Teleepoch
Enter Into a 3G CDMA Subscriber Unit License Agreement, October
6, 2007
MTN chooses Cambridge Broadband
Networks for multi-service wireless network in Rwanda, October 6,
2007
Brazilian government to
publish 3G bidding rules soon, October 6, 2007
KTF 3G service suffers
from technical problems, October 6, 2007
Argentina’s Personal
lunches 3G service in Rosario, October 6, 2007
Russia has it's first 3G
network, October 6, 2007
AT&T could drop Alcatel-Lucent
as 3G mobile network supplier, October 6, 2007
Enea Extends License Agreement
with ZTE for 3G Handsets, October 2, 2007
LG to unveil premium handsets
in Brazil, October 2, 2007
KTF 3G subscribers doubled
in less than 3 months, October 2, 2007
3G policy in India will
be non-uniform, October 2, 2007
- previous news
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UK 3G companies seek VAT refund with key evidence
January 12, 2004
British mobile phone companies fighting to claim back £3.35 billion in
VAT (value added tax) from the sale of 3G mobile licenses have found key
evidence in support of their cause.
In 2000, mobile operators spent £22 billion in the acquisition of next
generation licenses, which the five mobile operators say a VAT refund
is due. The companies will try to win back the money from the government
in VAT tribunals held in the next few weeks.
Lawyers for the five operators will refer to a judgement of the English
High Court, made in December 2001, that the auction was conducted in a
"commercial capacity" and the purpose of which was "to maximise the revenues
of the state".
The judgement means if a minister act on an economic basis, VAT should
be levied under EU law. Businesses do not pay VAT, and therefore in theory,
a £3.35 billion refund of the implied VAT would be due.
The government so far refused requests for a VAT invoice and is arguing
that it auctioned 3G licences in its role as a public body. This means
that VAT is not levied, as it forms no part of the payments.
Some operators believe the judgement may still not be enough to claim
back the money but will pursue believe the matter vigorously.
Mobile companies in Europe have already begun similar battles. In Germany,
operators are awaiting a ruling by the German regulator, RegTP, on a request
for a VAT invoice. Claims made in Austria, involving Deutsche Telekom
and 3, have been forwarded to the European Court. UK operators could seek
a ruling in the European Court if the British tribunal rule against them.
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3G Motorola A920
