The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, has called for urgent audit of data billing systems of telecommunication operators to ascertain the accuracy of the cost of internet services borne by subscribers.

According to him, there is the need to conduct a comprehensive integrity audit on how data is billed by telecommunication operators to cure the issue of high data cost.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Sam George directed the NCA to begin quarterly billing integrity tests, starting from quarter 3 of 2025, with a focus on popular apps and websites.

He stressed that operators found culpable of overcharging subscribers would face sanctions to ensure accountability in the telecommunication space.

"The NCA is hereby directed to conduct a billing integrity test for data services and to provide quarterly reports to the ministry starting from Q3. The NCA must check data billing for scenarios involving popular apps and websites, and if operators are found to be billing inaccurately, appropriate sanctions should be applied," he added.

He also highlighted the role of taxation in the rising cost of data, noting that nearly 39% of data costs are due to tax accumulation.

He confirmed ongoing discussions with the Minister for Finance to streamline and rationalise these levies.

"I am continuing my engagement with the Honorable finance minister to get his approval for the rationalisation of some components in the tax buildup in the sector. If we are able to have a proper rationalisation of the taxes, we should see a drop in the almost 39% tax buildup in the price of data in the country. If that drops, we would insist that the telecom," he said.

Watch the minister's press briefing below



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