Telecommunication companies in Uganda have engaged government to discuss how to reduce taxes on smartphones in order to increase internet connectivity and communication at low costs.

According to David Birungi, the Airtel Uganda Head of Communication, the move will also see prices of smart phones dropping, affirming that Ugandans will be able to access phones which in turn leads to a fall in data costs.

While speaking at the launch of Infinix Note 30 series at Skyz Hotel Naguru Kampala, Birungi revealed that high data charges, poor network and high mobile money charges will be reduced  in case their engagements  with Ministry of ICT and Ministry of Finance comes out prolific.

“Few Ugandans in urban and semi-urban areas own smartphones and this leads to high costs, yet if the number of smartphone users is high, the data charges are reduced,” Birungi said.

He added that the companies incur a lot of money to ensure that those on internet, access data and have to increase charges not to lose what they invest in.

“We are in discussions with government to come up with solutions on how to reduce on smartphones tax, we are considerate that government needs revenue to provide services. We are hopeful that these engagements yield good results,” Birungi said.

However, Robin Weichao, the Infinix Uganda brand Manager urged Infinix customers and well-wishers to try out the various new developments on the phone like the new fast charging software.

While presiding over the launch of the Infinix note 30, Lukwago emphatically advised all telecom companies to give back to the community citing Airtel which sponsors Kabaka run annually.

“I call upon you to venture into CSR, take a leaf from Airtel, where when they organize the Kabaka run, the whole city is painted red. They are giving back to the community. Do the same,” Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago said.