Zimbabwe’s second largest mobile cellular operator, Telecel has recorded a leap in subscriptions, following its recent move to reduce SIM card prices.
Prior to slashing the price of its SIM Cards, Telecel Zimbabwe had just over 900 000 subscribers, but reports reaching us indicate that the number has now exceeded 1million.
“The company decided to take the lead early in the year in reducing the high cost of SIM cards and cellphones to levels closer to those charged in other countries.
“It accordingly slashed the cost of its SIM card to just two United States dollars, including one dollar’s worth of airtime”, said Mike Hamilton, Telecel’s representative.
He said Telecel Zimbabwe offered starter packs that included, along with the SIM card and airtime, a good basic handset.
The price of those starter packs ranged from $23 to $38, depending on the handset, he added.
Less than a year ago, Telecel was considered the third largest of the three mobile networks in Zimbabwe. The operator is now the country’s fastest growing network, according to Hamilton.
Zimbabwe has three mobile cellular companies, with Strive Masiyiwa’s Econet Wireless being the leading mobile company, while Telecel Zimbabwe and NetOne are second and third respectively.
by Marcus Mushonga
