Yesterday, 12th September 2016, NetOne’s “The One” product disappeared from subscribers menus.
Within the menu, NetOne indicated that the product had been “revised” with the amended data costs taking many subscribers by surprise.
Data costs shot up to $50 for 2GB overnight leaving the public to wonder what exactly happened with “The One” just two weeks after it got launched.
Our initial speculation pointed at an ill-advised financial move by the Mobile Operator, there was no way they could afford to offer the public data at such low prices.
We also played around with the idea that NetOne had ruffled feathers in high places but could not provide any material evidence to support any allegations, but now we do.
We reached out to POTRAZ and this is what they had to say:
The product had been launched without approval and it is the regulator’s job to ensure that only legally approved products are offered to the public
At a time when the regulator had just come from enforcing suspensions on MNOs’ promotions, NetOne stuck out like a sore thumb.
Their product was terminated not revised, what subscribers get now are the basic data products, not “the one”.
We are yet to get clarification from the regulator on what procedures are taken to deal with MNOs that violate their regulations.
It is surprising that NetOne would make such a risky move right under the nose of the regulator.
It is a noteworthy that the regulator is at least trying to level the playing field.
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8 comments
Kwani ko. Gvt is trying to make data as expensive as possible as an indirect way of stifling protests sprouting everywhere in the country
It baffles the mind, if you don’t know the situation.
But you and I know that it is political.
Our Government is stuck in the 80s where they could control information and influence perceptions.
Fast forward, and we are now exposed to technology built in societies where democracy and basic freedoms are normal.
It’s a serious culture shock for them. Especially since they are also very old, rigid men with an understanding of the control of information through the newspaper.
The result… the development suffers, the consumer suffers, business suffers. All because of an obsession of control….
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Anyways, $50 is alot of money!
Assuming the rate is R15 to a dollar, this would be R750
And with that money…
1) For MTN, with R650, you can buy 10GB of data + 2.5GB free
2) For CellC, with R599, you can buy 10GB of data
3) For Vodacom, with R599, you can buy 10GB of data
These are just prepaid, once of payments with 30 day validity.
You get even more on contract.
Potraz is the enemy here, why would a regulator block delivery of a cheaper service to poor citizens?
Good question
”….Our initial speculation pointed at an ill-advised financial move by the Mobile Operator, there was no way they could afford to offer the public data at such low prices….”
My take is, YES they can provide data very cheap if everyone shed away the Zim dollar mentality. Do not mislead readers.
Second, like l have always said, Potraz is an outfit organisation of Zanu Pf, its a political organisation stuffed with Zanu members operating as a technical watchdog. It is there to serve Zanu interest.
How far do you have to go to prove that when you have Mandiwanzira and Charamba making political statements on technical matters!
Gvt institutions should not be zanu pf or an extension of zanu, we refuse that.
Zvakubhowa izvi.nxa
so potraz will allow NETONE to operate without a license but when it comes to a simple promotion they pull the plug