The telecommunications giant, which has invested over
The latest tariff adjustment comes at a time when the Government is banking on increased infrastructure development in the information and communication technologies (ICTs) sector to achieve its Vision 2030 targets.
"Without a robust ICT sector, it follows that the dream of an all-inclusive and economically vibrant nation remains a pipe dream," ICT Minister Jenfan Muswere said last week, adding that it was critical that the telecommunications sector plays its part in improving
"Without access to ICTs, people cannot actively participate in the socio-economic development agenda of the country. Access to ICTs is therefore not a luxury and a preserve for the elite...
"We need to catch up with technology, in particular 5G, for which we need a road map and strategy, or else we remain digital laggards," Minister Muswere said.
Analysts said for this dream to become a reality, the Government must approve cost-reflective tariffs and reduce taxes to allow telecommunication firms to continuously re-invest in their businesses and in the industry.
Economic analyst
"Contrary to the popular belief that capital injection into the telecommunications industry is a once-off investment, companies have to constantly pour in money to upgrade networks, pay software licenses, buy fibre, radio, and towers, among other things. And for the industry to survive there is need for sustainable data, voice and SMS tariffs as well as tax breaks," he said.
Economist
"The increase in electricity prices, approved by the
"Households will feel the greatest pinch given the fact that wages have not been adjusted in line with the inflation rate and many are earning below the Poverty Datum Line (PDL) which is around
National power utility
Bhoroma however said, electricity prices have been affected by inflation, with
"It is therefore critical for the power utility to adjust prices gradually so as to break even or fully fund imports without accruing debt. The tariff has to be cost reflective at all the times in order to guarantee stable power supply," he added.
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