The Communications Minister has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNO) to ensure that with immediate effect, unused data and voice bundles purchased by their subscribers do not expire.
Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful directed all telecommunication companies to ensure that unused data and voice/sms bundles be rolled over to the next data purchased by subscribers.
The letter addressed to the Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Mr Joe Anokye on Friday explained that the move is to minimise the negative impact of the current mode of deduction of the Communication Service Tax by the Telecommunication Companies.
“CST should be treated the same way VAT, NHIL, GETFund levy and all other taxes and levies imposed on entities doing business in Ghana are treated…”
“All unused data and voice bundles purchased by subscribers do not expire and must be rolled over with the next recharge,” the Minister urged.
The letter which was copied to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of MTN and Vodafone as well as the two Deputy Ministers of Communication, Mr George Nenyi Andah and Mr Vincent Sowah-Odotei comes on the back of Communication Service Tax which was increased from 6% to 9% effective October 1, 2019.
In effect, per every ¢1 of airtime purchased, there is a 9% CST fee deducted, which leaves the consumer with ¢0.93 of airtime.
This,according to the release is wrong and is an exploitation of customers.
According to the ministry, the “extraordinary upfront deduction of CST and notification of same to subscribers must stop with immediate effect.”
View the press release below:
Source: EOnlineGH.com
