We can whine all we want about the new data prices/data allocations the Mobile Network Operators have (conspired) to give us but just have to make do with what’s there. MNO’s are profit-making organisations for crying out loud- they had to adjust in line with changing economy. We either have to cut back the amount of time we spend on the internet (which I believe is hard), use data sparingly or fork out more money than we used to spend on data bundles.
I would like to believe that the average will probably just devote all their monies to buying WhatsApp bundles (since WhatsApp is the de facto internet of Zim) and dispense with the luxuries of surfing the internet or using Facebook, Instagram etc. – they will only use other platforms than WhatsApp only when it’s necessary. So its a no brainer that people are curious to know, which MNO is offering the cheapest WhatsApp Bundles.
Fine, lets take a look at the MNO which you can use to use WhatsApp with the least strain on your pockets.
Daily WhatsApp Bundles
| Mobile Network Operator | Price | WhatsApp Data |
|---|---|---|
| Econet (1) | RTGS $ 1 | 45 |
| Telecel | RTGS $ 1 | 60 |
| Netone | RTGS$ 1 | 50 |
| Econet (2) | RTGS $0.50 | 20 |
NB: I made all the comparisons in this article with the assumption that Econet users would want to use their bundles on WhatsApp only and not on Pinterest too (indeed, the bundle can be used to access Pinterest too).
If we are to compare the MNO’s solely on the Daily Bundles, it’s evident that Telecel is the go-to guy since it offers more Megabytes (MB) for your dollar.
Econet has 2 deals on the WhatsApp weekly bundle. But even its second deal of RTGS $ 0.50/ 20 MBs still offers less than what Telecel and Netone would offer if we unilaterally decide to halve their prices and data- for Netone it would be RTGS $ 0.50/ 25 MBs and Telecel would be RTGS $ 0.50/ 30 MBs.
Verdict – Telecel has the best deal
Weekly WhatsApp bundle
| Mobile Network Operator | Price | WhatsApp Data | – | Calculation WhatsApp data you get per dollar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econet | RTGS $ 3 | 140 MB | – | 46 MB |
| Telecel | RTGS $ 2 | 100 MB | – | 50 MB |
| Netone | RTGS$ 2 | 100 MB | – | 50 MB |
If you are not careful you’d hastily conclude that Econet is offering the best deal on the WhatsApp Weekly Bundles with its 140 MBs data allocation. Hell No !. When you calculate the amount of data MBs you get per your hard-earned dollar, you will find out that Econet is actually giving you the worst deal of 46 MBs/ RTGS $1 whereas other give you 50 MBs/ RTGS $1.
Verdict – You better go for Netone or Telecel for weekly bundles as they are equally cheaper.
Monthly WhatsApp Bundle
| Mobile Network Operator | Price | WhatsApp Data | – | Calculation WhatsApp data you get per dollar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econet | RTGS $ 8 | 400 MB | – | 50 MB |
| Telecel (1) | RTGS $ 3 | 200 MB | – | 66 MB |
| Netone | RTGS$ 5 | 250 MB | – | 50 MB |
| Telecel (2) | RTGS $ 5 | 320 MB | 64 MB |
Ummm! the amount of money (RTGS $8) you have to spend just to buy a monthly WhatsApp bundle of Econet is just too ahead of the rest. For 5 bucks or 3 bucks, I think you can (relatively) easily persuade a person that its not too much to spend on airtime at once.
Anyways, Econet and its fellow, Netone, deals are not enticing, where Monthly WhatsApp bundles are concerned. Through calculating how many MBs you get per RTGS $1, Telecel again emerges as the victor. A dollar you spend on Telecel for a Monthly WhatsApp bundle will get you 66 MBs or 64 MBs compared to the 50MBs that you get from Econet and Netone.
Verdict – Telecel offers the best deal
Overal Conclusion
Telecel is the champion when it comes to giving you more for what you spend on WhatsApp bundles. Holding other things constant, you better start using Telecel for WhatsApp.
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7 comments
Have you considered that Econet is giving other complimentary bundles. For the same value.
they probably did not consider that
You need to look at the whole bundle package to get the true value….Econet is offering additional packages… Check the whole bundle offer
The comparison seems to cover the essentials. Whatsapp data only is being compared. Additional bundles offered by Econet may as well be useless to the frequent user of whatsapp. A quick survey will tell you that not many people have Pinterest. They are trying to make people think they are buying more even if the more is junk you will never use.
Now this is why we come to TechZim.
Well researched article, Econet has the most subscribers, hence by economies of scale they should have increased their prices marginally. Telecel have always been practical, they understand their subscriber base.
By the way any comments on the iflix bundles $0.40 for 200mb/day and $1 for 500mb/day?
to be frank the bundling of services that is being done by econet is useless and clearly shows lack of understanding of your market or to put it simply , they are just copying packages offered in other countries without any consideration for the market conditions. iflix is not used that much in mos parts and most people don’t even know what Pinterest is so why force them to buy that. its same with their bundles that also include wifi. How many people have access to their wifi zones most of which are in town. it wont be surprising either to discover that most social media users access the internet in the evening which somehow might not make much sense especially with the set up in african cities. house are kilometers away from the CBD where there wifi zones are. so pushing such products together with a services like whatsapp or facebook is like punishing the client base.