There is need for reduction of cost of ICTs- Chamisa

MDC-T MP Nelson Chamisa told parliament that there is a need for the reduction of cost of ICTs in general, particularly internet and the broadband.

"The first one being the cost of ICTs in Zimbabwe, that there is need for the reduction of cost of ICTs in general, particularly the internet and the broadband services.  They are still on the high in the country compared to other countries in the region and indeed on the continent, even worldwide," he said.

"Voice call tariffs have actually been going down and this is what we hope is an issue that will be addressed through the necessary interventions by POTRAZ, the regulatory body and the referee of the ICT sector in Zimbabwe.  So, the cost of ICTs is an issue that we really would want to be dealt with, also, the aspect of the quality of services of the ICTs.  You know that our calls are terminating mid stream and our calls are not being monitored.  We have not yet come up with a mechanism.  In other countries, a mobile operator is actually deregistered on account of poor network services or poor quality of calls."

The MP said so, they attribute the problem to incessant interruptions in terms of power cuts, but POTRAZ is being urged by the Committee and indeed hopefully by Parliament, to constantly check on the quality of calls by putting in place a mechanism of checking the call quality, so that there is a percentage threshold that is permissible for quality in terms of calls from mobile operators, to ensure that customers get value for money.

"Also, our Committee urged operators to come up with a mechanism of making sure that they benchmark their standards against the standards of the world."

"The third recommendation is on Universal Services Fund (USF), that the administration of the USF must promote the development of networks and provision of ICT services in unserved and underserved areas in a transparent manner and fashion.  There must also be a maximum use of USF to broaden coverage, particularly in countries that are in remote areas so that we are able to then deal with situations in those centres," he said.

"All Zimbabweans need to access services, particularly areas in Binga and Matabeleland South where they are enjoying better network from South Africa and neighbouring Botswana without necessarily enjoying services from Zimbabwe.  That is a sad indictment indeed."

"We have also recommended, in fact this one, we have already raised with POTRAZ, that we need USF funds to be audited.  They have not been audited and accounted for by Parliament as is required by the statutes of our country.  They indicated that they have been auditing, but we have not seen the reports as is statutorily provided for by the laws of our land.  So, this is an issue we have said needs to be resolved," he added.

He said the fund must also help postal and courier operators to be developed because they are now transforming into other platforms of providing e-services, so there is need for that USF to be spread widely and in a bold fashion.

"Infrastructure sharing is the fourth recommendation but there has to be a legislative framework for operators to share their sites, especially operators like ZESA, Trans-media, NRZ and local authorities.  There is no need for competition on infrastructure but competition is supposed to be on services for the consumers and the customers," he said. "So, it is an issue, the model has not been adopted but there is need for consultation with various operators so that there is a model.  You cannot have five trenches competing in the same direction.  There has to be complementarity of effort on the part of operators so that we are able to have a sustainable and predictable model that is convenient for operators and the Government."

Chamisa said in terms of taxation on ICT services, the need to remove 5% duty on airtime to enable operators to invest more capital in capital investment programmes that have impact on employment creation and also revenue enhancement and contribution to the fiscus.

"The Committee also recommended the removal of 25% duty on the handsets as it is not very helpful.  These are some of the tax measures we would want the Minister to consider.  In terms of mobile payment systems that are regulated by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, there is need to have an integrated approach on mobile payment systems involving all operators," he said. "The Committee recommends the reduction of tax on mobile money so that the unbanked and under-banked are also included in terms of the financial inclusion strategy of the country.  There is need to encourage adoption of mobile money by public utilities to enhance revenue collection and customer convenience.  We need to reduce payment of money in cash, including even on the commuter omnibus so that we are able to be on the e-platform."

"We are also recommending consumer protection, that there is need for sufficient legislation to deal with issues of cyber security, cyber bullying, data protection and revenge pornography.  In case most of you Hon. Members do not know that the issue of revenge pornography is a big issue in Zimbabwe," he added.