India has slapped a 20 per cent import tariff on set-top boxes, up from 10 per cent, as part of its scheme to encourage more local production.

Most locals see the move as a means of curbing the supply of equipment from China. Typically, the country imports about 10 million STBs a month, while the cable industry in general needs about 20 million units a month as the nation moves from analogue to digital distribution.

There is also a Goods & Service Tax (GST) on set-top boxes (and other electrical items) to be paid.

Part of the demand for high-specified boxes comes from players such as Netflix which want to see their ‘App’ included in a STBs menu options.

Categories: Articles, Policy, Regulation, STB