BY AMBROSE GAHENE
Telecom giants MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda have announced they will not increase their prepaid data prices despite the new 12 percent tax on internet.
This follows the scrapping of shs200 per day Over The Top (OTT) tax starting July, 1, 2021.
Government in turn imposed a 12percent excise duty on the internet. This therefore means on every data package an internet user buys; they are supposed to pay a 12 percent tax.
According to a statement released recently, Airtel Uganda Chief Commercial Officer, Amit Kapur said the company will not increase the price of their data.
“Our subscribers will not be required to pay OTT in order to access social media websites and Apps.
“We shall institutionalize the 12 percent excise tax as mandated by the Government of Uganda; however, Airtel Uganda will absorb the excise duty for all prepaid packs, thus maintaining our pre-paid data prices till further notice,” Kapur said in the statement.
“This will allow Airtel Uganda customers to enjoy and connect with the world seamlessly using their affordable and reliable 4G Smartphone network with no limitation,” he added.
With the onset of COVID-19 pandemic and its effects like the lockdown, Internet usage shot up, as many people work from home not only to deliver on their daily tasks, but also to use the Internet to get customers and deliver services such as study and entertainment.
MTN Uganda, in a statement also announced that they will maintain their data plans despite the new tax.
“All other standardized and customized voice and data bundles remain unchanged and are accessible on all our platforms.
“We believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life,” reads the MTN Uganda statement in part.
