With Starlink now officially available in Zimbabwe, we’ve never been so spoiled for choice. One of those options, which honestly should have been available much sooner, is Econet’s SmartBiz.
I’ve been testing Econet SmartBiz and will now share everything you need to know about the experience. Spoiler: this unlimited plan from Econet is brilliant.
Getting started
SmartBiz utilises Econet’s mobile network, so you’ll need a SIM card from them to get started. You’ll receive either a physical SIM card or an eSIM, which will be inserted into your router.
You’ll also need a router, and Econet allows you to either use your own or purchase one from them. I imagine most people won’t already have a compatible router.
If you’re technically inclined, you can compare what Econet offers with other options on the market to find the best value. If you’re unsure about shopping for routers, you can simply choose from the ones Econet provides.
Econet’s cheapest router costs about ZW$1,040 (approximately $77 using the official rate, or $50 on the parallel market). However, you can find cheaper routers elsewhere—just make sure they are aren’t crappy.
If you want to use your own router, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor model, Econet recommends the following specs:
- eSIM or device-locking capability
- 5G/4G support with WiFi 6 (3.6Gbps WiFi, connecting up to 32 users)
- Up to a 10dBi antenna
- At least two LAN ports and one VoIP port
I’ve used subpar routers in the past, so if you’re unsure what to look for or who to ask, just visit an Econet shop, and they’ll help you pick one that works well with SmartBiz.
Registering for SmartBiz
To register for SmartBiz, you’ll need to visit an Econet shop or, if you’re a fancy pants business client, contact your account manager.
You’ll need to fill out an application form and provide documentation. Individuals need to provide a copy of their national ID (original must be shown) and proof of residence. Corporates need to submit a CR14, certificate of incorporation, director IDs, and company proof of residence.
Once you’re registered, Econet will assist with the activation of SmartBiz, and you’ll be ready to go.
Choosing a package
You can choose from these packages:
- SmartBiz 5 – $45 – up to 5Mbps (fair usage policy kicks in at 1TB)
- SmartBiz 10 – $87 – up to 10Mbps (FUP kicks in at 1.2TB)
- SmartBiz 20 – $167 – up to 20Mbps (FUP kicks in at 1.3TB)
My experience
I’ve been using the SmartBiz 5 package, and here’s a screenshot of the speed tests I’ve taken over the past two weeks:
Here’s the thing: right now, Econet seems to be allowing users to enjoy speeds higher than the capped limits, possibly as a promotional effort to spread the word about the service.
Depending on how popular Starlink becomes, these higher speeds might become the norm. This means that although I’m on SmartBiz 5, I haven’t actually been limited to 5Mbps. My experience has been excellent, even surpassing the 50Mbps cap on my Liquid fibre connection.
There were a few days when speeds dipped below 5Mbps, the lowest being 2.88Mbps when Liquid’s network experienced slowdowns. Since Econet relies on Liquid’s infrastructure, this affected SmartBiz as well. However, it was surreal being able to connect at 2.88Mbps when my Liquid fibre was completely down.
Reliability
SmartBiz has been reliable over the two weeks I’ve tested it. There wasn’t a single day when I couldn’t use the service.
It’s important to note that speed tests don’t always reflect real-world experiences. Nonetheless, I’m happy to report that my experience has been fantastic.
Even on days when speeds hovered around 5Mbps, I didn’t notice significant slowdowns for my typical usage, which includes heavy Googling, YouTube, and Spotify streaming, as well as regular app downloads and tests. Streaming in 2K resolution posed little problem.
I also tested SmartBiz with multiple users in an office, where about eight people connected their devices. We streamed four 1080p YouTube videos simultaneously, while others were streaming Spotify or watching Facebook videos etc. SmartBiz handled all of it without issue.
Portability
Since SmartBiz operates on Econet’s mobile network, it’s available wherever Econet data is available. I tested it in three different neighborhoods in Harare—Mabelreign, Avondale, and Mt. Pleasant—and the service was consistently good in all locations. It also worked in the CBD.
Final thoughts
Consider how well Econet’s data performs in your area before jumping on the SmartBiz train. My neighbourhood recently received a 5G upgrade (or more like 4G+), which may explain my good experience. I recall complaining about Econet broadband in my area a few years ago, especially during power outages.
Now, I’m pleasantly surprised to still enjoy SmartBiz even when the power is out. I think this is due to network upgrades, and you might already benefit from similar improvements. If that’s the case, I’m confident you’ll enjoy SmartBiz.
There is one minor annoyance: after a power cut, when I plug in the router, I sometimes need to restart it for it to work properly. This might be a router-specific issue, but it’s worth mentioning. It’s a quick fix, but if you experience slow speeds after reconnecting, a restart should do the trick.
The competition
A few weeks ago, SmartBiz was an obvious choice for many. However, now that Starlink is available with some appealing new packages, it’s no longer that straightforward.
SmartBiz wins in terms of equipment cost. You can get a router or MiFi device for $50 or less, whereas Starlink’s Mini kit costs $200. But Starlink’s Residential Lite package costs just $30 per month, compared to SmartBiz’s $45. That’s a $15 monthly saving with Starlink.
In 10 months, the $150 you saved on equipment by choosing SmartBiz is negated by the lower monthly cost of Starlink. Over time, Starlink becomes the cheaper option.
However, SmartBiz still has a use case. If you frequently travel or work from various locations, SmartBiz will be much more affordable. Starlink’s roaming option costs $100 per month, providing coverage anywhere in Zimbabwe. SmartBiz, on the other hand, offers nationwide coverage for just $45, and its routers and MiFi devices are much more portable.
For some businesses, Starlink might still be worth it even at $100. Read more about that here.
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59 comments
Surely this is a dated article
Actually the contrary. SmartBiz is relatively new and very few people have even had the chance to try it out. They have been asking what the experience is like.
Also, the Starlink residential lite package throws a spanner into the works.
Users now have real choice.
How is a product from 4 months ago referred to as new
It was in the testing phase and wasn’t available to the masses. So, newly available = new.
And to say a 4 month old product/seevice is not new is wild. Starlink is still considered new worldwide despite being available for years. Perspective is everything. 4 month old babies are babies.
Ko what happen to maDecorders eEconet aya please kindly help
Great article, i have a feeling the price will drop from $45 to try and match starlink. Can the sim be put directly into the phone as opposed to in a router, say im a lone user
Yes, using mine in my old phone
The price has to fall otherwise it’s dead on arrival.
Econet just econoted everyone again, speeds back to the advertised 5mps.
We all knew this was coming.
$45 for up to 5 Mbps speed…. capped to 1TB (fair usage policy)
I want starlink not smart biz
Did you think you’ll be uttering such a sentence when this year started? If someone had said Econet will launch an unlimited package at impressive speeds for $45 and you won’t care, you would not have believed them.
“I don’t want SmartBiz, I want Starlink,” has to be the most 2024 statement. I love it.
Do what makes sense for you. If it’s Starlink, go ahead. If it’s SmartBiz, to each their own.
I have been using SmartBiz 5 for one and a half months. I have a Huawei 4G router but i have yet to experience a speed of more than 7Mbps. It almost always throttles at 5Mbps. I live 2km away from Harare City Centre. I would upgrade to a 5G router if i was guaranteed speeds of over 20Mbps but because of the package its not worth it. I have been prompted to make my payment for my Starlink kit. Lets see what happens
You’re not the first person to say their SmartBiz is throttling to the advertised speeds – 5Mbos for SmartBiz5. I guess it’s a system issue then that has seen some people getting unthrottled speeds. Which means we can assume that will be rectified and no one on SmartBiz5 will get anything above 5Mbps.
If that’s the case, I understand the decision to jump ship to the faster AND cheaper-in-the-long-run Starlink.
5mbps gives you a download rate/speed of less than 1megabyte per second .Am I wrong?
Yup it sits around 0.6 MBps
Makati rega timbosimbisa SmartBiz manga manzwa nekusimbisa Starlink
Ko taane choice ka nhai Muzukuru wemukuru 😂. Tingangotaura zveStarlink paine zvimwe zvinoita futi.
Ko Netone yakangoti ziii nema Unlimited, what are they thinking?
I hope havarambe vakati zii chimuti chichienda. I don’t know if they have capacity though. Econet could not do this without the network upgrade that’s still going on.
On the proof of residence ,do you also need a copy?
Their cheapest router does it support this product of theirs?
On the proof of res, I’m not sure what you mean. But normally, they want an OG utility bill etc but you can ask them via social media or WhatsApp or even in an Econet shop.
On the router, yes, the one they have works with SmartBiz.
They want proof of residence, business address. You have to fill in a 2 page form in 2024
You have to physically bring in a router. They take their clients for retards
They’re yet to be serious.
ID alone should be more than enough.
I second you on that
Do these SIM cards work in your mobile phone?
Apparently they do. Someone commented that they stuck it in an old phone and it’s working.
So why are they demanding the router
I would imagine it’s because of the experience. Routers have stronger antenna, better cooling etc and will provide a much better experience than a phone especially when you’re going to be hot spotting multiple devices. You just know that if the bottleneck is with the device, users won’t care – they will badmouth SmartBiz.
So, if I were Econet I also would try to get people to use good routers. But the choice remains theirs.
Ok, kind of makes sense .
But I’m guessing there a lot of people who careless about the router, and might only need the sim .The router they could acquire later on ,if need be.
The router part,I honestly think they should have made it optional. Which makes me think that they are also doing this to sell their own stock of routers
I would not put it past them. It could be mainly just a ploy to move router stock that’s been clogging their warehouses. However, they do openly tell you that you can use your own or find your own, which I imagine would scare many, who would just get the Econet one.
“”Starlink’s roaming option costs $100 per month, providing coverage anywhere in Zimbabwe.””
Does this mean that if want to use starlink in different locations here in zim id hv to part ways with 100 $ a month…
and you don’t think that econet are giving you a great service due to the fact that they wanted a good review here on techzim? 5mbps is not good enough for $45 sorry… and service will only degrade as more are connected
If I were the only ne getting that experience I would consider your point about Econet possibly giving preferential treatment, as implausible as it sounds. On social media we have seen many other users report speeds from 5 to 20 to 70Mbps.
On congestion degrading service should SmartBiz grow popular, I agree, it’s a real concern. It is like Starlink congestion if there are many users in an area. It’s a problem but Starlink deals with it by prioritising those that pay for that privilege. It’s not clear how SmartBiz will dealwith it.
So when using the sim card do you need the router as well
Some people on here say they have used the SIM in a phone and it has worked well. So, apparently you don’t need the router.
Yah, techzim is out there “flirting” with Starlink, whilst still keeping the “blesser” happy.
Don’t hate the playa, hate the game.
😂😂😂 Zvakaoma. There’s no blesser relationship here. SmartBiz is a service that exists now and the people deserve to know so they can choose what makes sense for them. I imagine many will choose to save up for Starlink cause it’s cheaper in the long run. We’ve never had choice like this.
Nah, SmartBiz l will pass. It’s not the right choice for me. I wonder the speed will be like if 10 people get connected to that 5Mbps. Ukavhura Facebook page in less than a minute tenda mwari 😂
l guess Starlink is the best choice for me with 20Mbps and above.
what about riquid ? if riquid had a Fibronix pay as you go 250GB 40Mbps option/package for 30 days @ USD 30 , that MIGHT prevent me going with starlink standard … maybe just.. anything less is a no no …..
Starlink is a better option thn starbiz
indeed, econet can take that skankbiz cr@p and shove it up their bottoms !!
Can I buy the smartbiz sim card only without the router
5mbps gives you a download rate/speed of less than 1megabyte per second .Am I wrong?
roughly, 8 megabits per second = 1 megabyte per second
telone adsl is MAX 5 megabits per second, if you are lucky !!! thats how slow 5Mbps is !!!
Too early to comment. Still gathering facts. Excited about the competition though. It brings efficiency and quality customer service
In my opinion I think it’s costly for a single user considering that there are no overlaps,it’s not convenient when doing video calls…only if econet will work on that.
Econet network is crap in the southern suburbs like Southlea park.
I think Starlink is a disruptor just like solar is to Zesa and boreholes to City Council. Econet with its rip off tariffs and Zesa/City of Harare with its incompetence are going to suffer and I am very happy about
Any one using SmartBiz for Netflix streaming?!How is it performing?!
I just tested it right now. It is doing well at 720p. The buffer is good enough to fast forward a good 3 minutes. Zero lag
Thanks for the response
Hahahah guys to be Frank,ma Internet service e mu zim ma one ..my Zol line (econet product) rinoita kunge ukushandisa data re this company ,monoiti iyi ,iyi Mhani .Ndabva ndaifunga ,inonzi Telecel
Go to starlink. Econet would not have remember you if Starlink had not come.
Kkk right on
Ingori tsepete tsepete pana Starlink! Mai Weeeeely Mai Welly weeeee
good product, can one pay in ZWG
Does this mean without roaming charge with starlink one will be geolocked
how do i check my smartbiz balance?
I’ve found this very useful, just bought mine after reading this.