With the aim of making smartphones (which have internet connectivity among their functions) more accessible to lower-income groups, the Government approved a decree today that reduces the PIS and COFINS rates on these devices to zero. This measure will bring consumers a price reduction of up to 30% compared with imported devices, and only devices costing less than R$ 1,500.00 and manufactured in Brazil will qualify for the measure.
The price drop is expected next week, since an ordinance with the specifications of the mobile devices that will qualify for this measure still needs to be published.
Among the characteristics mentioned are wi-fi, browser and email applications, third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) technology, an operating system that provides a development kit for third parties, a screen equal to or larger than 18 cm2 (square centimeters) and applications developed in the country, including by third parties.
Besides being an incentive for consumers, it’s also an opportunity for companies responsible for developing websites to include the creation of a responsive layout as a minimum requirement.
Companies that have a website should offer users a page with suitable viewing for the mobile device. Brazil currently has around 65 million active smartphones, and the government expects that number to reach 130 million by next year.
Is your company already prepared for this reality? If you have questions or can contribute any content, comment!