This week’s top tech headlines feature announcements full of relief as some telcos have agreed to carry the tax burden on behalf of customers, the government has issued more guidelines on the covid relief fund and a look at Season 2 of HiPipo’s 40 Days 40 Fintechs and much more.
Airtel service shutdown: Customers handed disappointment and excitement
Airtel Uganda, in a tweet published on their official handle, apologized to its customers for any inconveniences that the service interference might have caused. The interference was a result of technical challenges. “We are currently experiencing a temporary service interference which is preventing access to some Airtel Money Services. Our technical teams are on the ground to restore the service. All inconveniences caused are highly regretted.” part of the tweet reads.
The new 12% internet tax: Is it for our good or malice at work?
However, it remains uncertain how the telecom companies will distinguish the data that will be used for the provision of medical and education services at the point of selling the data since at that point, it cannot be established whether the data will actually be used for the provision of medical or education services.
COVID-19 relief fund: Who, when and how to receive it
There have been numerous misconceptions on the exact amount to be received from the Prime Minister’s office. Comments regarding the mobile money amount cap that a person should have received on their mobile before consideration were the biggest cause of this. However, according to the government, the minimum that can be spent on basic needs in a household is UGX 100,000.
MTN, Africell to pay the 12% internet tax for customers
And this was evident in MTN Uganda’s statement on the issue. Much as the heading and body of the telco’s communication was in regards to the repeal of the OTT tax, customers were quick to question whether the company would go ahead to charge them the extra 12% as instructed by the government. The answer: No!
More of this week’s top tech headlines
Here is how to remove leaked nudes on the internet
HiPipo unveils Season 2 of 40 Days 40 Fintechs
MTN Youth skilling program: Haruna’s disability ignites his entrepreneurship
Apply for these job opportunities from MTN Uganda, Google, Delv and more
Here are insightful events to attend this week from The Innovation Village, KAIN and MOTIV
How the Glovo app is easing online delivery during this lockdown