How Should Data be Paid For?

THE state-run fixed line telecommunications company Tanzania Telecommunication Company Limited (TTCL) has announced reductions in data tariffs. The once privatized company made the commercial decision in a bid to widen the chance for Tanzania to become an ICT hub in the region, accompanying the country’s socio-economic development. The announcement has been received differently by stakeholders, coming as it does at a time when the sector involves many operators, including Vodacom, tiGO, Airtel and Zantel. TTCL sources affirm that the cost per megabit per second would be halved, falling from US$900 to $450! “Should this be implemented, it would favour lower income earners failing to latch on to data use on account of high telecommunication charges. MEANWHILE, INTERNATIONAL REPORTS HAVE IT THAT IRREVOCABLE PAYMENT ORDERS THROUGH AN ATM CARD ARE TAKING A NEW SHAPE AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL. A REPORT BY THE UK DIRECTOR FOR ATM PAYMENTS, DAVID LEWIS, COVERS A SERIES OF PETITIONS RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS COOPERATE BODIES AND NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION (NGO) ON THE INABILITY OF SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, COMMERCIAL BANKS AND THE WORLD LOTTERY ORGANIZATION TO SETTLE THEIR CLIENTS’ CONTRACT DEBT, INHERITANCE AND WINNING PRIZES. As such there is authorized by the Debt Reconciliation Unit of WLO to investigate unnecessary delay on payment approved by the right authorities. FURTHER DETAILS HAVE IT THAT DURING THE COURSE OF INVESTIGATION, IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED WITH DISMAY THAT THE PAYMENT WAS UNNECESSARILY DELAYED BY CORRUPT OFFICIALS AT THE BANK, TRYING TO DIVERT THE FUNDS INTO THEIR PERSONAL ACCOUNTS. AFTER AN EXTENSIVE CLOSE DOOR MEETING RECENTLY, IT WAS RESOLVED AND AGREED UPON THAT CLYDESDALE BANK PLC OF LONDON WOULD WORK EXTENSIVELY TO ENSURE THAT ALL CONTRACT PAYMENT, INHERITANCE AND LOTTERY WINNING PRIZES ARE SETTLED WITHOUT ANY HASSLE. FOR SECURITY REASONS, THE FUNDS WOULD BE PACKAGED IN FORM OF THE PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN) ATM CARD THAT WOULD ENABLE ONLY THE OWNER TO HAVE DIRECT CONTROL OVER THE FUNDS. THE PURPOSE IS TO MONITOR THIS PAYMENT ONESELF TO AVOID THE HOPELESS SITUATION CREATED BY PREVIOUS BANK OFFICIALS. THE BANK REPORT SAYS AN IRREVOCABLE PAYMENT GUARANTEE HAS BEEN ISSUED BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP AND THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF) ON ATM PAYMENT. “HOWEVER, WE ARE HAPPY TO INFORM YOU THAT BASED ON OUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS, COMPLETE INHERITANCE FUNDS HAVE BEEN CREDITED IN A CLIENT’S FAVOR THROUGH ATM CARD. SERVICE CHARGE ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS DEPENDS ON RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES. FOR EXAMPLE INDIA THE FEE IS 90 POUNDS TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 7,900.00 INDIA RUPEES. IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING REGULATIONS NO DEDUCTION OR OTHER FEE WOULD BE DEMANDED. “THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA WOULD NOT HAVE ANY RIGHT TO STOP INTERNATIONAL ATM CARD USE,” THE REPORTS INDICATED.