Tag: OTT tax

Airtel Introduces new OTT Data bundles

Posted on by Desiree Miller

Airtel Uganda has launched Uganda’s first-ever data OTT packs that will enable subscribers to enjoy undisrupted connectivity by simply subscribing once and getting both data and OTT of the same validity.

Data OTT packs combine data and OTT Tax by maintaining the same data volumes of the selected bundles and simply adding OTT Tax to them. When an Airtel Uganda customer subscribes to this Data OTT pack, they will get a data bundle combined with OTT of the same validity as the bundle pack purchased. For example; daily 15MB will be purchased at UGX450 and it will include UGX250 for the 15MB plus UGX200 for the daily OTT – both valid for 24hours.

Commenting about the new product, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Mr. V.G. Somasekhar noted that, “Gone are the days when subscribers had data but could not connect because they had not paid their OTT and vice versa. With these new packs, we are bringing convenience to our subscribers whether they prefer daily, weekly or monthly data packs.”

“This is the first offering of this sort in Uganda and we are proud to lead the way when it comes to providing our subscribers with affordable, convenient and innovative telecommunications solutions,” he added.

This announcement comes on the heels of a directive from Uganda Revenue Authority, the tax body in Uganda, which changed OTT validity to 24 hours. Airtel Uganda also recently added more options to the OTT menu giving subscribers the ability to pay their taxes on a quarterly and annual basis.

Daily OTT Taxes Now Valid for 24 Hours for some Mobile Companies

Posted on by Deborah

The coming of the OTT Tax has affected most of the time spent online, viewing social media pages, and indulging in leisure activities. This tax comprises of a sum of 200 Uganda shillings per day, for the use and access to various sites, listed by the government.This Tax is now valid for 24 hours.

MTN Fans received the message

To get their customers back, various mobile telecommunication companies have changed their strategist. The OTT had been designed such that, regardless of the time of subscription, it expires at midnight of that very day. This is no more for some networks. You can now load your tax at the same time with your data bundle, which brings about more flexibility.

With this new change, will you pay the OTT Tax? or you are much better off using VPN

Airtel Uganda Refunds Taxes Deducted on Mobile Money Deposits

Posted on by Deborah

Telecom Company, Airtel Uganda, has started refunding the 1% tax that was deducted from the Mobile money customers. This comes after a directive from the president.

Early this month, the OTT tax was introduced into the country, levied on different Social Media sites, and Mobile money. This received numerous criticism and strikes from different people, and the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni made a statement on July 13th, ordering that all Ugandans who paid the 1% per cent mobile money tax should be refunded, as this was passed by parliament, and signed by him in error. In addition to this, the tax was ordered to be reduced to 0.5% and charged only on withdrawals made.

Some of the wonderful offers from Airtel Uganda

Airtel has stood up to be the first to return this money to people. Their Public relations officer, Sumin Namaganda confirmed that the process started on Saturday, July 28. It is indeed true that many Airtel customers have been receiving messages confirming this refund. However, majority still say that they got the message, but no money was added to their accounts. This needs to be looked into.

Museveni Directs Parliament to review OTT tax, Is there Hope?

Posted on by Desiree Miller

President Yoweri Museveni has directed parliament to hold further discussions with the view to reaching consensus on how government should raise the much needed revenue to finance the budget and undertake the development agenda without causing unbearable burden to the citizens.

This was carried in a statement delivered before parliament by Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the Prime minister this afternoon. The house was discussing the infamous Social Media tax (OTT) and mobile money tax.

The Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill 2018 was presented, debated and passed by parliament last month. It was subsequently assented to by President Yoweri Museveni and became an Act of Parliament. This Act imposes 1% levy on all mobile money transactions with exception from deposits. It further imposes a specific charge of UGX 200 on over the top (OTT) services per day of access.

“Since the Act came into force on 1st July 2018; government has noted public concerns regarding some of the elements in implementation of especially tax on mobile money transactions and OTT. H.E has provided guidance on the matter and encouraged further discussion with a view to reaching consensus on how we should raise the much needed revenue to finance our budget and undertake the development agenda we have set for ourselves without causing unbearable burden to the citizen” the Prime Minister said.

The PM added that government is now reviewing the taxes taking into consideration the concerns of the public and its implications on the budget. This review he says is being expedited to ensure that government presents an Amendment of the Excise Duty (Amendment) Act 2018 to the house for debate on Thursday July 19th 2018.

“Hon. Members will therefore have the opportunity to debate and consult widely to guide Parliament during the consideration and debate of the Amendment Bill” the premier said.

Adding that; “Rt.Hon. speaker and Hon Colleagues, I would like to assure this Parliament that Government is committed to ensuring that the tax on mobile money and OTT are designed taking into account the public concerns and balancing the need to raise revenue to finance our development agenda.”

During the plenary, MPs wondered what will happen to the money already collected from OTT and Mobile money tax. Hon. Cecilia Ogwal asked government to refund people.

The speaker in turn promised to make a ruling on the proposed bill in tomorrow’s sitting.