President Kikwete finally met mobile phone operators over the controversial TSh1,000 (Ksh 56) Sim card monthly fee. The mobile phone operators sought the ears of the President when they saw the Tanzanian government’s determination to implement the controversial levy which they believe that will stifle growth in the mobile sector.
Five days ago, the same top officials in the industry met the country’s Finance Minister William Mgimwa where the government promised to review the controversial fee. The assurance did not convince them and so they sought the attention of the country’s CEO.
Tanzania’s senior government officials have been making statements which are not so convincing to the operators. They have shown determination that the government will be implementing the fee knowing very well that the operators will never support such an idea.
The government has indicated that the levy will be used to fund the rural electrification projects which will benefit the ordinary Tanzanians.
The Mobile Financial Services (MFS) and excise duty is charged on interconnection and roaming services.
