Telecom Giants welcome removal of taxes on cell phones; promise to pass benefits to consumers

Jun 11, 2023 News

Kaieteur News – Telecommunications providers GTT, Digicel, and ENet expressed their support and satisfaction with the recent announcement by President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali to eliminate taxes on cell phones.

President Ali at his party’s public meeting held at New Amsterdam on Friday night announced that all taxes on cell phones will be removed effective Monday.

“We have continuously said that we want to bridge the divide in this country, we want to ensure that there is an equitable platform on which people can transform themselves, one of the important things about the future is the use of technology.”

The President reminded that Value Added Tax on data has already been removed and this will be bolstered by the removal of taxes on cell phones. “We are now going to remove all the taxes from phones in the country so that you can buy it tax-free…All the tax that is on the device will be removed.”

In response to the President’s announcement, the country’s three service providers in a joint statement on Saturday said the removal of taxes on cell phones represents a significant step towards improving information access and bridging the digital divide in Guyana.

They said, “This announcement will transform the communications sector by enabling greater access to pursue educational opportunities, conduct business, and foster personal growth. As our society becomes increasingly connected, it is essential to remove barriers that hinder access to vital technological resources.”

By exempting taxes on cell phones, the companies said President Ali has taken a progressive stride towards bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusivity in all of Guyana. They noted too that the initiative will undoubtedly result in a multitude of positive outcomes for the people of Guyana, including improved educational prospects, expanded economic opportunities, and enhanced communication networks across the nation, especially for rural and hinterland communities.

As the leading telecommunications providers in Guyana, the companies said they will continue to work assiduously with the government and other stakeholders to facilitate the seamless implementation of this tax exemption.

They said, “Customers can look forward, in the near future, to revised prices reflecting the removal of taxes on all cellular devices. These changes will be communicated to the public in tandem with the government’s lifting of taxes on such products.”

GTT, Digicel, and ENet said in conclusion that they look forward to continued efforts to promote digital equity, as they strive to deliver the best services and solutions for Guyana.

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Digicel, ENet, GTT, phones, Telecom

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