Digital TV operators want taxes cut

Oct 30, 2011

Investors in the broadcasting industry want the Government to subsidise the costs of equipment to support digital migration technology.

 By David Ssempijja

Investors in the broadcasting industry want the Government to subsidise the costs of equipment to support digital migration technology.
 
Christine Naggujja,  the StarTimes publicist argued on Friday that  more Ugandans will be able to tap into the benefits of the technology only if the costs were affordable to the majority of the population. 
 
South Africa funds 70% of the decoder costs for five million poor households. Each unit in South Africa goes for between $40-$50.
 
In Uganda, taxes on decoders account for 50% of the total cost.
 
“A successful migration process will require the Government to reduce taxes on devices such that the products reach the consumers at affordable costs,” Nagujja said in Kampala at the launch of a sh150m promotion dubbed Watch and Win to reward clients and lure new ones. 
 
Simon Arineitwe, the country marketing manager, said to benefit from the campaign, customers will be required to subscribe to the Best View package or buy the company products like television sets and  decoders.
 
The campaign concludes with a sh5m cash grand prize, LCD TVs, decoders and subscription worth sh100m. StarTimes has also won the rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions and Europa leagues for the 2012 to 2015 seasons.
 
“Football appears to have a lot of fans globally. We have been working day and night to ensure that subscribers enjoy moments like these, blended with informative and educative contents” Arineitwe said.
 

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