On Tuesday, November 13th, Airtel Uganda unveiled the new Data OTT Bundle. This bundle is enabling Airtel Uganda’s internet users to load Data and the OTT tax in one recharge.
It was in July when the Over the Top (OTT) tax was introduced by the Uganda government, to impose a charge on the use of social media. Dodging the taxes was the norm, and the search for the best VPNs was what almost every internet user did.
Some internet users didn’t dodge but rather religiously paid the tax, though the mechanisms of paying this OTT Tax needed them to have mobile money, another hustle.
Airtel’s new Data OTT Bundle is one that can enable a user NOT have to buy data and OTT separately, an easier and convenient way which saves time.
“Gone are the days when subscribers had data but could not connect because they had not paid their OTT and vice versa. With these new packs, we are bringing convenience to our subscribers whether they prefer daily, weekly or monthly data packs.” – Mr. V.G. Somasekhar Airtel Uganda Managing Director
This Data OTT Bundle is the first of its kind in Uganda, influenced by the introduction of the OTT tax. A very good move by Airtel Uganda for its customers.
NOTE: The new Airtel Data OTT Bundles can only be purchased with your mobile money account, so you should make sure that you have some balance enough to purchase your preferred Airtel Data OTT Bundle.
Here is the logic behind coming up with the new tax.
If you subscribe for the daily 100MB which has been UGX:1000, an addition of UGX:200 has been added to make a total of UGX:1200, the charge of the new Airtel Data OTT Bundle.
Since the OTT Data Bundle now lasts for 24 hours, the validity of your subscription (this one in particular) will be 24-hours.
For the case of the weekly and monthly bundles, the validity will be 7 days and 30 days respectively.
NOTE: You can still buy the Airtel data bundle without the Data OTT following the normal USSD codes and also pay the tax following these steps.
Below are the steps you must follow to subscribe to the Airtel Data OTT Bundle.
- Dial *185*2# as shown below.
2. Select Option 2 – Buy Data Bundles (Offers inside)
3. On the next interface, you can select Option 1 (Data for Myself) or Option 2 (Data for Another Number) depending on your choice of preference.
4. Select Option 5 – Data ONLY OTT Pack
5. The next interface will display the nature of packages, including Daily, Weekly and Monthly Data + OTT Packs. Choose your preferred bundle.
6. On the next, you shall be required to input your Mobile Money Pin. As we said earlier, this new Airtel Data OTT Bundles can be purchased via Mobile Money.
After entering your PIN, a confirmation message of successful purchase shall be headed your way.