Uganda’s Telecom Giants MTN & Airtel Maintain Internet Prices Despite New Tax

Telecom giants MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda have announced they will not increase their pre-paid data prices despite the new 12 per cent tax. This follows the scrapping of Ushs200 per day Over The Top (OTT) tax starting July 1, 2021. The government in turn imposed a 12 per cent excise duty on internet. This, therefore, means every data package an internet user bought. The customers are supposed to pay a 12 per cent tax.

According to their released statement, Airtel Uganda CCO, 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 institutionalise the 12 per cent excise tax as mandated by the government of Uganda. However, Airtel Uganda will absorb the excise duty for all pre-paid packs, thus maintaining our pre-paid data prices till further notice,” Kapur said. He added that 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.

With the onset of the COVID -19 pandemic and its effects like the lockdown, Internet usage has shot up with many working 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 standardised and customised voice and data bundles remain unchanged and are accessible on all our platforms. We believe everyone deserves the benefits of modern, connected life,” reads MTN Uganda statement in part.