Huge Amount of Taxes Causing Hurdles in the Growth of Internet Industry: Wasim Ahmad

In an interview to a local newspaper, Wasim Ahmad, CEO Wi-tribe said that the latest development in security is creating more avenues for business but high telecom taxes are forming hurdles in the progress of internet industry in the country. Government and operators need to work hard in order to improve broadband access and transition towards a knowledge economy.

Huge Amount of Taxes Causing Hurdles in the Growth of Internet Industry: Wasim Ahmad

In budget 2015-16 new taxes were enforced on internet and data use. After the new 14% Advance Income Tax, imposed on fixed lines, mobile phones and broadband internet, subscribers are currently paying around Rs 30 on a payment of Rs 100. According to reports Punjab was projected to collect about Rs 3 billion in account of telecom taxes, however a corresponding negative growth to national economy in five years was estimated to Rs 200 billion.

Wasim Ahmad said that Pakistan’s internet penetration presently stands at 18 million and we are the 18th largest middle class in the world. In order to keep up with the future demands we are intensifying our infrastructures and adding terabits of bandwidth so that our consumers continue to get the same high speed and free internet experience in future. He said that though war on terror badly affected the business industry in the country in last years but with the latest improvement in law and order new chances are rising.

He also said that participating in ITCN Asia 2015 exhibition, was a wonderful experience and wi-tribe’s exciting new mobile apps and inventive solutions were warmly received. He said in Pakistan his company was entering corporate market by giving state-of-the-art enterprise solutions and services.

Ahmad added that the introduction of 3 major digital apps (Buzz, wi-tribe TV and resQ) were a stepping stone to our vision of aiding a more digital lifestyle. Wi-tribe is dedicated to develop a strong broadband network in Pakistan, while concentrating its efforts on customer suitability, digital lifestyles and innovative mobile applications and to meet the present and future anticipations of the customers and the growing market.