By Our Reporter
The Senate Committee on Information, Communication and Technology, chaired by Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang yesterday resolved to push for the review of SIM card taxes to make them affordable to the common Mwananchi.
While meeting with Airtel Management led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ashish Malhotra, at Parliament Buildings, Members of the Committee were appalled to learn that the telecommunication firms pay Sh50 tax for each Sim Card imported into the country, adding that they’ll raise the issue with the National Treasury to ensure that the taxes are reviewed downwards.
On his part, Mr Malhotra addressed the members’ concerns about the security of consumer data in the country by reiterating that Airtel has a reliable telecommunication system, approved by Communications Authority, that mitigates against cyberattacks through the implementation of voice encryptions and firewalls on voice, SMS and data services.
The committee was considering responses to a statement sought by Bungoma Senator, David Wakoli, on the routing of international gateway tariffs by mobile telecommunication firms and mobile service providers.