h. Inventories
Inventories consist of components, which are subsequently expensed upon use. Components represent telephone terminals, cables and other spare parts. Inventories also include Subscriber Identification Module (“SIM”) cards, handsets, wireless broadband modems and blank prepaid vouchers, which are expensed upon sale.
The costs of inventories consist of the purchase price, import duties, other taxes, transport, handling, and other costs directly attributable to their acquisition. Inventories are recognized at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimate of selling price less the costs to sell.
Cost is determined using the weighted average method.
The amounts of any write-down of inventories below cost to net realizable value and all losses of inventories are recognized as an expense in the period in which the write-down or loss occurs. The amount of any reversal of any write-down of inventories, arising from an increase in net realizable value, is recognized as a reduction in the amount of general and administrative expenses in the year in which the reversal occurs.
Provision for obsolescence is primarily based on the estimated forecast of future usage of these inventory items.