On 25 March 2016, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenka signed Edict No. 111, which introduces a new increased value added tax rate (VAT) of 25% for voice and data telecom and internet services. The Edict also changes the VAT rate for public transportation services from 0% to the standard 20% rate. The increased 25% rate for telecom and internet services is effective from 1 April 2016, and the 20% rate for public transportation is effective from 1 March 2016.