Several mobile phone users have expressed worry over the new tariff increment in telecommunication networks across the country.
While some subscribers have kicked against the change, complaining about costs they incur in purchasing airtime that barely lasts for an estimated period, others admitted that they sign on to different service packages offered by the teleco companies which help them make calls and browse the internet at relatively cheaper costs.
Read: Telcos increase cost of voice calls
Meanwhile, many are still complaining about the poor network services from some telecos and pleaded that services be improved to match what they are paying for.
In his 2018 mid-year budget statement, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta revealed that a new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime would be implemented under which Ghanaians will be expected to pay more to raise enough revenue towards the growth of the national economy.
Read: Telcos to charge 5% more from today
After the presentation of the budget, government amended and modified the act to give effect to the new tax system.
The increase in tariff was made effective on Thursday, 1st November 2018 to reflect the new tax regime.
CEO of the Chamber of Telecommunications, Ken Ashigbe, in a recent interview, pledged his full commitment in supporting and engaging the government to possibly reduce the incidences of taxes.
Read: Telcos not colluding on tariff increment Ken Ashigbey
Speaking about how the new tax regime affects telecommunication companies, Mr. Ashigbe said “these levies have become sales taxes. It is a consumer tax. As an industry, it is just deciding that the principle of saying there is a tax that has been imposed means the government has clearly identified who the incidence is on and so it ought to be passed on.â€
Users of MTN, AirtelTigo, and Vodafone spoke to backend.theindependentghana.com about having to bear the additional cost from the increase in charges on their data and call services.
Source:Â backend.theindependentghana.com