Potraz Finally Finishes Drafting Mobile Virtual Network Operators Rule Book

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has just completed crafting a draft rule book for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). An MVNO is a mobile telecoms company that uses the hard infrastructure of Mobile Network Operators, like Econet and Telecel to provide mobile phone network services to customers.

The idea behind MVNOs is to fully utilize the infrastructure set up by MNOs through procuring bulk access to network services from MNOs at wholesale rates and then sets retail prices independently and sell the services under its own banner.

Potraz director general, Gift Machengete said that it is waiting for the regulatory framework to be reviewed by Government before it is drafted into being a statutory regulation. He went on stating that many local investors were enquiring about the progress being made about the rules so that they know the telecoms playground before they commit their money.

At the moment, VIVA Mobile is the only MVNO company that is publicly known to have been at the forefront of  getting into this sector. But VIVA Mobile seem not to be operational any longer as its website is no longer functional.

Potraz has made great strides to draft the rules so that new entrants will quickly increase the level of competition hence providing consumers with a wider choice of service providers and more competitive pricing plans.