Anger from bloggers over a wireless tax that doesnt exist

A large number of bloggers have raised a number of complaints regarding a wireless broadband network tax which according to experts isn’t even going to be introduced in the UK.

The end of last week saw a large number of bloggers writing angry comments over rumours that a wireless broadband network tax was about to be introduced in the UK, with many of these bloggers pointing out that a number of Wi-Fi providers risky going under if a £100 per access point tax was implemented.

This particular tax, however, is actually a standard business rate that has been paid for years by network providers that have their own site, which means that although these claims may be true in terms of risk it isn’t particularly helpful to argue against a rate that is already in place.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) recently advised “It is not correct to suggest a new tax is being introduced for Wi-Fi installations. All business property is liable for rates, which are based on rental value. Wi-Fi installations are not treated any differently to any other business property.”

Businesses that operate in the UK are required to pay the necessary business taxes and there are currently 31 000 masts on the books of the VOA, which have been value in order for a share to be claimed by the tax man.

Although a small level of tax relief may prove useful for small businesses that provide rural areas with wireless broadband services there is unlikely to be the same level of public sympathy for the larger operators who would then be entitled to the same tax reliefs but whether this tax is right or wrong is something that would require further debate between both sides.

Source – The Register