ZIMBABWE’S leading mobile network, Econet Wireless, has launched the country’s first nationwide broadband service.
Econet Wireless Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Mboweni, announced on Thursday that the launch was the climax of the mobile network’s investment of US$100million (about R690 million) in a network that covers the country’s major cities.
The network uses the latest 3G and WiMax technologies, and is linked by a fibre optic transmission system with satellite back-up.
Mboweni said the company’s broadband was the most ambitious project undertaken by the company since its launch some 12 years ago, saying that broadband would play a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Zimbabwe’s economy.
“We have essentially connected Zimbabwe to the global digital economy,” said Mboweni.
Apart from the R690 million broadband launch, Econet is also offering solutions for mobile, home and office internet use.
Mboweni said in preparation for the launch, Econet had already stocked its outlets with a wide range of smartphones which have the capability to send and receive emails and make video calls.
Econet’s broadband in Zim is a freaking joke. It is slow, the modem offered is erratic and drops connectivity every other minute, and the prices are extortionate. Try to figure US$98 for 1GB, that’s insane. The only company offering good and affordable wireless connectivity in Zim is Africom, There are 2 things Econet Zim is really good at: 1) Buying government influence to prevent better foreign competition entering the Zimbabwe telco market. 2) Offerring FREE LIFE INSURANCE!
Good, but how many Zimbabweans will be able to afford the technology
I agree with you James, the rates are pure daylight robbery! I can get 80 MB data on Chili-Spot wireless for just $5 (translates to 800 MB – nearly 1 GB – for $50 as opposed to econet’s paltry 200 MB/$50). And my Chilli-Spot connection is continuous, reasonable speed too. My econet connection keeps going on holiday every couple of minutes or so. What are the AfriCom and PowerTel rates?
Africom charges $15.66 before VAT for 1Gb on a very reliable connection. Powertel is uncapped at $50 per month but goes MIA too often. Econet.hasn’t given me any connection problems since their 3G and HSDPA towers went live but the cost is outrageous.
As the competition heats up prices will go down. Those phones will be given to people for free. But now they justified, they need to recover cost of infrastructure – and they have a tight deadline to do so b4 the new entrance start offering services on their new wmart networks, at least these old guys kept pple connected when it mattered most–remember the queues for prepared airtime, SIM cards, it all came and went, so will the the exhobitant charges for services – they will come to pass! The moment of truth will come – they will resort to retrenchments – ask TelOne guys!