AfricaUganda introduces 12% internet data levy, critics say move will stifle online access
Reuters
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Uganda says it has introduced a 12% tax on internet data, potentially hiking prices for online access in the east African country where consumers are already paying some of the world s highest internet costs.
Data costs in African countries are high relative to other regions, a fact blamed for slow internet penetration and limited use even for those connected, according to digital advocacy group the World Wide Web Foundation.
Uganda s Parliament tweeted late on Thursday that lawmakers had passed the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which introduced the 12% duty on internet data.
Uganda says it has introduced a 12% tax on internet data, potentially hiking prices for online access in the East African country where consumers are already paying some of the world's highest internet costs.
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In light of the importance of addressing the digital divide in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Sustainable Development Goals, the President of the General Assembly has convened a one-day High-level Thematic Debate on Digital Cooperation and Connectivity on 27 April 2021.
In this letter, we call on governments, industry, multilateral institutions, civil society, and international financial institutions to close the digital divide by putting people at the centre of our approach to achieving meaningful connectivity for everyone.
In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to accelerate concerted action at all levels to close the digital divide, especially the gender digital gap. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the deep disparities in access to affordable and meaningful connectivity.