EU defines high-end smartphones as eligible for high-end taxation

18 Dec, 2008
The European Commission is considering taxes on some mobile phones equipped with GPS and/or TV receivers. The idea is for fat-on-features handsets to be treated as multifunctional devices rather...

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  • ?
  • Anonymous
  • PSY
  • 19 Dec 2008

EU's plan is non-sense, foolish. They need to learn that it is 2009 and mobile phones come with advanced technology.

    • D
    • DARK WARRIOR
    • MF{
    • 19 Dec 2008

    this will cause world war.

      • S
      • Steve
      • MJc
      • 19 Dec 2008

      Jon2, 19 Dec 2008Wow. More taxes when there's a global recession? What a s... more"More taxes when there's a global recession?"

      Someone can't be that hard up if they are going to spend £300-£600 on a phone. So they figure what's another 10-15%

        • m
        • mmh
        • Pxx
        • 19 Dec 2008

        Actually, it is not at all surprising. But, my only thought is "Is this the best time to do so?" only time will answer.

          • M
          • Martin
          • N7$
          • 19 Dec 2008

          This is total BS! Some smartphones are already at a premium. This will hurt sales. I've already upgraded my contract this year just to be able to get a TyTN II ! Just my 2cents...

            • J
            • Jon2
            • w0Q
            • 19 Dec 2008

            Wow.
            More taxes when there's a global recession?
            What a stupid decision by the EU.
            They don't know how to make good economic decisions. They might as well just disband.

              • j
              • justin
              • pTP
              • 19 Dec 2008

              just more proff the eu is a waste, i mean what have they actualy done thats any good

                • C
                • CPA
                • PAQ
                • 19 Dec 2008

                Steve, I'm a qualified & experienced Certified Accountant and I can state that u are only misleading people with your half-truths.Just stop it!

                  • S
                  • Steve
                  • MJc
                  • 19 Dec 2008

                  Whatevs, 19 Dec 2008Say what?! This is so preposterous. First: they are just lo... moreIf you are so outraged about this, are you also outraged at the tax on things like computers, laptops & games consoles? Tax on phones was inevitable. They've had it good for too long so it should not come as a surprise.

                  Looking at the bigger picture, perhaps the likes of Nokia & Sony Ericsson should stop charging outrageous prices for their phones in the first place.

                    • S
                    • Steve
                    • MJc
                    • 19 Dec 2008

                    Dani, 19 Dec 2008I hope they dont do this ...phones should be considered as ... moreWe pay tax on everything else, so why not phones? Do you know what the tax money is spent on?

                      • S
                      • Steve
                      • MJc
                      • 19 Dec 2008

                      SP, 18 Dec 2008Another nail in the coffin for the EU."Another nail in the coffin for the EU."

                      How do you figure that out? In the extreme circumstances, it's a nail in the coffin for high-end handsets if they are going to cost nearly 15% more.

                        • D
                        • Dani
                        • M@P
                        • 19 Dec 2008

                        I hope they dont do this ...phones should be considered as phones...even though they have the features they are still phones....

                        they cant replace standalone devices, there just phones first with added features

                        so please EU, stop trying to rob us with this 'tax' schemes, the world is in reccession and we have to pay moore tax.

                        its not right! Justice!

                          • I
                          • IKA
                          • Sve
                          • 19 Dec 2008

                          Another nail in the coffin for the EU. - exactly what i mean.

                          EU is thinking to stop future or at least to slowdown it.

                          EU= SBO / Stupid Burocratic Organizations /.

                            • M
                            • Matthew
                            • N9@
                            • 19 Dec 2008

                            another money making scheme

                              • K
                              • Ki
                              • ji{
                              • 19 Dec 2008

                              I've saved my one year's salery to buy a mobile phone.Just bcoz I use a highend mobile phone you're gonna tax me like am a billionaire?

                                • D
                                • Dani
                                • M@P
                                • 19 Dec 2008

                                Tax tax tax......!!!!!

                                  • T
                                  • T-Bone
                                  • S35
                                  • 19 Dec 2008

                                  HooHaw, 18 Dec 2008What did headline mean by 'legible'?@HooHaw, the word is 'eligible' which means 'allowed' or 'qualifies for'.

                                  Hope this helps!

                                    • ?
                                    • Anonymous
                                    • PA$
                                    • 19 Dec 2008

                                    I wish I could go back 5years back where tax was... What tax?

                                      • D
                                      • Dani
                                      • M@P
                                      • 19 Dec 2008

                                      Whatevs, 19 Dec 2008Say what?! This is so preposterous. First: they are just lo... moreI Agree

                                        • E
                                        • Erick
                                        • ji{
                                        • 19 Dec 2008

                                        To stifle growth in what will become one of the primary industries in global commerce through this, is effectively an attack on trade. The EU should be ashamed to even entertain doing this.