In the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, taxes on SIM cards used in mobile phones are set to increase, impacting mobile call rates and internet costs. The proposed budget includes tax hikes on SIM card purchases and supplementary duties on mobile call rates and internet data packages. Here’s how these changes will affect consumers:
Increased Taxes on SIM Cards:
The proposed budget raises taxes on SIM card purchases from Tk 200 to Tk 300, increasing the cost of acquiring SIM cards for consumers.
Higher Supplementary Duties:
Supplementary duties on mobile call rates and internet data packages have also been raised by 5 percent, along with an additional 1 percent surcharge. These increases will result in higher costs for consumers, reducing the value of mobile recharges and data packages.
Immediate Implementation by Mobile Operators:
Mobile phone operators are expected to implement the new tariffs immediately following the announcement of the proposed budget. Consumers will begin experiencing the effects of these tax hikes and duty increases shortly after the budget’s announcement.