NetOne reviewed upwards its bundle prices last week, while
Econet has adjusted the charges with immediate effect.
Telecel Zimbabwe is expected to follow soon as the
telecommunications industry battles viability challenges.
“Please note, we are reviewing our voice, data and SMS
bundle prices, effective March 2010. The bundle tariff is still as approved by
Potraz on the 25th of August 2020,” Econet said in a notice to its customers
this week.
Said NetOne; “Dear valued customer. Please note that our bundle prices have been
revised with effect from today (05/03/21). For information please visit our
social media pages,” reads a message sent to customers.
Bundles are promotional voice, data and SMS packages with a
fixed validity period, offered by mobile network operators at significant
discounts to normal, out-of-bundle services. Operators offer bundles in
packages valid for a day, a week and a month.
Market analysts, however, believe the new bundle tariffs
are not cost-reflective, and would not allow companies to retool and offset the
negative effects of inflation.
Prices of goods and services in Zimbabwe have been steadily
increasing in the past few months as telecommunication companies, whose tariffs
are regulated, face declining revenues in real terms, coupled with growing
foreign debt and foreign currency shortages that have resulted in low
infrastructure investment.
While several countries across the world are already
targeting faster, 5G network rollouts, mobile network operators in Zimbabwe are
still battling to upgrade existing 3G and 4G networks, with the costs of 5G
implementation thought to be too high for them to consider at this time.
Potraz director-general Dr Gift Machengete, last month
stressed the need to balance affordability to consumers and ensuring that
mobile network operators remain viable.
“Potraz would like to assure the nation of its commitment
to continue enhancing data affordability for all citizens whilst at the same
time ensuring operator viability. This is a delicate balance that requires
concerted effort, including fiscal intervention to address declining disposable
incomes,” he said. Herald
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