As you probably know already, last week Telecel announced through SMS that they would start charging US 10 cents per megabyte for mobile broadband usage. The charging started on May 1. Before that date, mobile broadband on the Telecel network was free for all.
After we asked for clarification on the structure of the mobile broadband tariffs, Telecel told us it was all just part of the test. Testing the billing system that is.
Some two days ago however, we stumbled upon the interesting information that Telecel didn’t seek any approval from the regulator (POTRAZ) to start charging customers. According to a source very close to issues of tariff approval, no communication was made by Telecel to POTRAZ on the intention to start charging customers, no proposed tariffs were sent to the regulator and no approval was issued.
See, all POTRAZ licensees (mobile operators, Internet Access Providers etc…) need POTRAZ’s express approval before they start charging for any telecoms services.
We sought comment from Telecel on Wednesday and reminded them yesterday. We have not received a response yet. If we do, we will post it here.
It’s not that the Telecel mobile broadband tariffs are ridiculously high. No. The US 10 cents per megabyte is average by Zim standards. It’s just that without approval, Telecel must not charge subscribers for usage. Assuming the approval was never granted and you happened to be charged for the internet you used, it will probably mean having the airtime credited to your account.
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7 comments
“Vakomana pano paita disaster” – Thomas Mapfumo
Do you really have to ask permission to test every aspect of the network, they were given permission to test and provide mobile broadband, surely that should cover payment testing phase!
Regardless of the formalities involved with POTRAZ most of couldn’t care less quite frankly. But mention FREE BROADBAND and most us would say bring it on Telecel bring it on!
Potraz should be a “light touch” regulator and must give Telecel a break honestly. Put them on notice with a warning of sorts but let them charge for their data service rather than clumsy reimbursements of airtime credits. We have already gulped down a copious amount of bandwidth on the free. Who was not free loading at least 2 gig a month? We new the end of the free stuff would come. However great scoop on the story, shows that MNOs are not exactly the sharp and savvy business people they purport to be. When a vendor is not there to tell them what to do, they just cave in and literally fluff their lines!!
ok,this becoming interesting now,i have been recharging an average of $10/day on my Telecel internet dongle,assuming they will refund us…I will smile all the way to the bank,kikii!