All Broadband news and updates

Internet.org, Mark Zuckerberg, Net Neutrality

Facebook to introduce Free Basics internet in Zimbabwe

Internet.org, the project from Facebook which facilitates free internet access to specific website and platforms, and is now working under the name of Free Basics, is set to be launched for the Zimbabwean market in January 2016.

December 30, 201520

Broadband

Telecel introduces Night Shift bundles, offers 1 GB data for $3

Dubbed the Telecel Night Shift Bundles, these off-peak data bundles (they are accessible between 10 pm and 6 am only) are priced at $1, $2 and $3 with data allowances of between 350 MB and 1 GB.

December 24, 201511

Broadband

WhatsApp video calling expected in platform’s next version

According to information in the article, which was accompanied by photos, WhatsApp is set to introduce video calling in the next iteration of the messaging platform. The upcoming version 2.12.16.2 for iOS (it will be launched for Apple first) which is still in testing, will include video chat which works in the same way as FaceTime or Skype.

December 24, 20155

Broadband

Here’s a comparison of Zimbabwean internet packages

With a lot of people seeking a full comparison of what their money can get them we created a page that offers a comparison of Zimbabwean internet services. The options are listed according to the service provider as well as the type of internet (3G, ADSL, Fibre, VSAT, WiMAX).

December 23, 20159

Broadband

Powertel expands distribution network through tie-up with Zimpost

Powertel, the internet provider and ZESA Holdings subsidiary will now be distributing its products at selected Zimpost outlets throughout the country.

December 19, 20152

Broadband

Africom revises internet packages, offers weekend and night browsing options

Africom, another local internet provider also unveiled a revised list of data bundle packages. Africom has maintained the MiChoice tag for its internet bundles, with the packages falling into 3 categories - MiChoice Unlimited, MiChoice Regular and MiChoice night Browser.

December 19, 20154

Broadband

TelOne doubles ADSL data caps. Closes billing system data leakage hole

Starting this month, TelOne has doubled the amount of data on its capped ADSL packages, making their internet even cheaper for subscribers looking for home internet. The new rates are as follows:

December 19, 201529

Broadband

Econet offers up to 3GB of free data for using ZOL fibre packages

Under this package Econet subscribers that sign up for a ZOL Fibroniks, the Fibre to the Home package from ZOL Zimbabwe will receive varying amounts of free mobile broadband data, free on-net minutes, free SMSes and discounts on devices. Current ZOL Fibroniks customers will also receive the same benefits when they settle their monthly accounts.

December 19, 20153

Broadband

WhatsApp blocking in Brazil, Zuckerberg’s business plea, and why the MNOs are fighting a losing battle

December 17, 201515

Broadband

NetOne places a data cap on its social media bundles

NetOne has effected a data cap on its social media bundles, meaning that the access windows for each of the bundles bought don't give subscribers unlimited access to the respective platforms during that period.

December 15, 20156

Broadband

Classifieds CEO: Ownai zero-rating could present a challenge, but we’re in a good position to combat it

Some aspects of their offering which leverage their incumbency as Zim's largest MNO could present a challenge for us. However, additional experience, technology and marketing from OAM put us in a good position to combat that.

December 9, 201528

Broadband

Opportunities for eHealth emerge as POTRAZ partners ITU for rural telemedicine

Starting in January, remote public health facilities will be accessing telemedicine facilities that include online diagnosis, remote consultation for specific conditions, communication of information such as broadcasting of alerts and updates on potential outbreaks.

December 9, 20151

Broadband

Telkom offers free data access for streaming service, Showmax

Telkom, the South African fixed and wireless telecoms company has entered into a partnership with ShowMax, the Naspers-owned video streaming service. Telekom subscribers will have zero-rated data access for streaming ShowMax content.

December 8, 201511

Broadband

A practical proposal for zero rating & net neutrality that operators may actually love

Steve Song, suggests that we explore treating connectivity to the internet the same way we treat connectivity to the phone network - that is we let everyone be part of the network at a very basic low connection speed like 2G

December 8, 20154

Broadband

NetOne launches promo offering free data for recharge data card topups

This is a mobile broadband promotion set to run from the 3rd of December until the beginning of March 2016. It is offering free data to NetOne mobile broadband subscribers that top up their data using the physical recharge data cards.

December 3, 201513

Broadband

How taxes could have negatively affected Zimbabwe’s internet penetration

There is one other huge change that happened during the period of decline. The government introduced a 25% import duty on mobile devices in the last part of 2014. This meant that distributors passed on the cost to the consumer and all devices became more expensive.

December 2, 20151

Broadband

Steward Bank’s internet banking down for more than 2 weeks now

December 1, 20156

Broadband

Zimbabwe Holds its First DNS Workshop, Could this be a Step towards Better DNS Management?

December 1, 20154

Broadband

The cost of internet in Zimbabwe – an overview of broadband packages

However, we are still not at a point where data service costs become an afterthought. Local internet prices are still steep, particularly for the majority of Zimbabweans who use mobile devices to go online. The absence of regulatory intervention hasn't helped either. All the changes we've noticed so far are a reuslt of macro-economic forces in a tough economy.

December 1, 201515