Earlier this week, we received a tip in our inbox about a mobile broadband service about to be launched by ZOL, one of Zimbabwe’s largest ISPs. Here:
ZOL has just introduced mobile WiMAX in the 2.5Ghz frequency range. Initially this was available via Econet at 2.5c per Mb with a window period of 30 days and minimum payment of 15 a month for 500Mb. ZOL is charging $29 dollars a month for the service unlimited and pretty decent depending on where you are located.
We made some checks and established this is actually true. Except, the reason it’s not been announced yet is that it’s still under some kind of ‘limited public trial’.
So yes, soon -no idea how soon – there’s going to be another ISP playing in the mobile broadband space, along with Africom, PowerTel, iWayAfrica, and the mobile operators (Econet, Telecel and NetOne). There’s no telling yet how amazing (or disappointing) the ZOL service will be, but judging by that tip there – we’re guessing this is a customer already using it – the key phrase is “pretty decent depending“
I hope it works outside the CBD .
Yes it does. http://www.techzim.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/wimax-coverage.jpg due to IP issues cant share a detailed map but sufficient to say most base stations in Harare have the WiMAX sectors.
Thanks, i will buy the product when its official .
For me it does not work in Highfield, along Willowvale. I get 3 bars but does not connect. Been to ZOL wasnt helpful
what error do you get?
It just says connection failed.
When I check the network status I get.
Available Ecoweb Wimax (or something of that sort)
I spoke to Wadzanai (sales) and Farai (Wimax side) at ZOL.
Wadzanai indicated that coverage might be an issue since the dongle is working fine. Farai indicated that my area might be covered and I should try the out door unit.
You need the certificate file to be setup in the authentication settings. Ask them to email you the authentication certificate. You just need to make that change and you will be good to go.
Thanks for the advise. I do have one ca.pem file in the bin folder, where do I place the file when I get it.
Thanks
There is a custom built ca.perm file you need other than the default one that installs with the software
Go to settings, authentication, Certificate authority and point to the location of CA.pem that you got from ZOl
This has been in the market from december. I bought for my parents in Highfield Lusaka. It work perfect for them, the speed is desent, i can stream any time. Downside is that their dongle wont allow wireless router connections. Tried so many of them including the portable ones.
Try mypublicwifi, it’s free and you can create protected wifi on the computer with the dongle.
try http://virtualrouter.codeplex.com/ or
connectify.me
Its pretty good. Have been using it (two of them actually- the other for my girlfriend) and works well in cbd hre, byo and also msasapark and avondale where weve onl managed to test. You cn safely stream youtube videos as it runs at 1MB. there is also 512 and i think 2MB as well
512 I pay $29/m for my girlfrend and 1MB $59/m for me.
Need more info, you can contact me
Is it 1MB because few people are using it or its actually 1Mb?
Its no 1Mb dedicated and neither is it 512dedicated. This is a best effort pool. Yes at 3am you will get more than 1Mbps but trying right now during lunch, different story
So its a Powertel dongle 😀
how much is the dongle per month
sorry how does the dongle cost for purchase.
The dongle is free.
How far paRusape apo