Telecommunications Sector Bemoan Restrictive Policy

The Telecommunications Operators Association of Zimbabwe (TOAZ) has bemoaned the tough and outdated regulatory environment which has made it much difficult and less profitable for them to operate, nudging the government to relook into its policy re adjustment.
In a paper presented at a two day stakeholder engagement workshop organize by Potraz in Harare dubbed “Ensuring operator viability and service affordability- The balancing act and challenges” TOAZ said telecommunications operators must facilitate framework for raising foreign currency to capacitate infrastructure development.
“They must intervene by issuing legal debt 1.1 dispensation to register all debt incurred prior to SI 2019-33 to procure infrastructure and they must also incentivize infrastructure development especially in rural areas, through tax incentives.
TOAZ further added that Telecoms must consider tax rebates and incentives (detailed in the letter to the MoF) and also MMT transaction limit reviews consistent with inflation. Eliminate tax friction by waiving IMMT charges on cash-in and cash-out transactions consistent with banks.
Legislation of facilitable mobile device proliferation for digital inclusivity is also one way that should be implemented by Telecoms in the contribution of modernizing the economy.
Telecoms are also urged to make a framework that facilitate tariffs that are regionally comparable and they should also make polices that facilitate renewable energy substitute for grid power and diesel.
Reduction or removal of the TTMS levy and fair treatment of all players and all ICT projects to be given National Project Status is another ways Telecoms must consider in modernizing the economy.