"We wonder who told them that Zambians are using these avenues for free because all we know is that subscribers are already taxed for using social media platforms each time they buy data bundles," Percy Chanda of the United Party for National Development said.

At present, Zambians pay for internet calls through bundles or wi-fi.

The government says research shows that 80% of citizens use WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber to make phone calls.