• Using a SIM card? Apple and Samsung want you to get rid of it

    Apple and Samsung are planning to kill the SIM card by introducing an embedded e SIM. This would allow phone users to switch between operators at any moment

  • Minister confirms government’s move for Telecel, hints at foreign investment

    So it’s already been confirmed, the government is moving in on Telecel.Earlier today, the Minister of ICT, Supa Mandiwanzira, responded to questions on the government’s interest in Telecel Zimbabwe. ZARNet, a state owned Internet Provider, has been roped in because the government does not have the immediate capacity to execute this takeover. This will, in…

  • Minister of ICT to clarify the Telecel Zimbabwe ownership issue tomorrow

    The Minister of ICT, Supa Mandiwanzira, who made the statement that started all this speculation surrounding Telecel, has said that he will share information relating to the government’s interest in the operator tomorrow.

  • Government confirms interest in Telecel

    The government was offered ownership and control in Telecel Zimbabwe and it has been reported that this offer is being taken up. This comes after the Minister of ICT mentioned this offer in an interview. However, this move doesn’t seem to make sense considering some facts on the ground.

  • TelOne to become Zimbabwe’s 4th mobile operator

    It turns out that TelOne now wants to make use of its mobile network licence by pursuing a partnership with another state-owned mobile operator, NetOne. This will make TelOne the fourth mobile operator and brings into play some interesting dynamics on infrastructure sharing.

  • Infrastructure Sharing: About threats, distrust and the opportunity to be grateful

    In threatening Econet with havoc if they don’t share infrastructure, the ministry of ICT missed an opportunity to appreciate the significant contribution that Econet’s investment in infrastructure has made. But all this would be easier to say if Econet themselves were fair in the ecosystem they play in.

  • Infrastructure Sharing: purely an emotional debate

    Operators would rather “go it alone” than share infrastructure despite the fact that there is an opportunity for cost savings of up to 40%. To the consumer it makes absolutely no sense that they should have to pay higher tariffs for a service when there is a clearly a better way for all stakeholders to…

  • Smartphone distribution in Zimbabwe – Whose line is it anyway?

    Smartphone penetration is very low in Zimbabwe trailing far behind other nations like South Africa at 30% and Kenya at 67%. But who should be responsible for equipping the nation with these devices?

  • Econet continues to play defence, asks its suppliers to cut prices by 15%

    Econet has asked its suppliers to reduce prices by 15% in a cost cutting measure that is meant to help it weather the tough economic environment.

  • What does Zimbabwe’s insignificant smartphone penetration mean?

    The smartphone penetration rate in Zimbabwe is approximately 15% which actually means that about 85% of all mobile communication in Zimbabwe is largely through dumb phones (mbudzi) and feature phones. These are some humbling statistics in terms of what it actually means for developments in broadband.

  • Telecel offers two more voice promos with unlimited calls

    Telecel has again launched a reward based Night Chat and 073-4-Free Weekend promotions hot on the heels of the Super Voice Bundles. The Night Chat promo offers its subscribers unlimited calls during the night and the 073-4-Free Weekend rewards customers for $4 airtime purchases during the week by unlimited calls Saturday night to Sunday midnight.

  • Telecel introduces Super Voice Bundles, offers $1 for 60 minutes talktime

    Telecel is en route to getting back in the game with its latest Super Voice Bundles offering which avails 50 and 200 voice minutes from a $1 and $2 airtime purchase respectively.

  • Government fires the telecoms regulator POTRAZ board

    The board at POTRAZ, the telecoms regulator, has been dismissed following revelations of corporate mismanagement and corruption. This is the latest case of a shakedown on state entities from the Minister of ICT, Supa Mandiwanzira who has emphasized the need for performance and results delivery from the parastatals under his purview.

  • Econet throws subscribers another bone, reverts to old Bundle of Joy rates

    Econet has adjusted its Bundles of Joy package and reverted back to a $1 for 10 minutes offering. This is a welcome development even though it seems like Econet is trying to curry favour with subscribers after doubling social media bundles and experiencing a slip in revenues.

  • Is Zimbabwe really that much out of touch with tech?

    The way we celebrate and endorse some Zimbabwean products has really gotten me thinking whether or not we are in touch with the modern day technologies. Sure, it’s ok for a fast follower mentality to facilitate progress, but we can’t be celebrating mediocrity in ICT, which is the cornerstone of innovation and ingenuity in this…

  • Econet reduces salaries; shows how tough the Zim telecoms environment is

    Econet has reduced the salaries of its entire staff by 35%. This has been attributed to a lot of challenges in the local business environment, and the other complications in Zimbabwean telecoms. The operator will have to do a lot to improve its performance and beat all of this.

  • What’s the latest on Zimbabwean e-commerce? Check out these 12 e-platforms

    If you thought we don’t have any attempts at online trading and commerce in Zimbabwe, think again. Take a look at these 12 platforms that have been around for a while. Some very big companies like Food World have setup online shops with a variety of payments options you could find anywhere across the world.

  • Whatever happened to Astro Payit anyway?

    The Astro brand is constantly aiming to define its name when it comes to local innovation. The team there has conceptualised some cutting edge solutions in tech, but sadly others have failed to go market. Hre’a a look at Payit and possible reasons it failed.

  • 4th mobile operator on the cards as Shingi Munyeza consortium plans LTE network

    A group of local investors that include former Telecel Zimbabwe CEO Francis Mawindi and former African Sun CEO, Dr Shingi Munyeza is set to launch a 4G/LTE network by the end of the year. This is meant to provide competition to existing players like Econet, NetOne and Telecel, while also entering the Pay TV services…

  • Kenya OKs the Slim SIM. When will this telecoms monopoly disruptor get to Zim?

    The Slim sim introduces mobile number and anti-monopoly disruption and makes it possible for MVN operators, Financial Services Providers, Banks and other players to offer all the usual services plus more sophisticated VAS in addition to the services provided by your current operator

  • Econet offers clarification on WhatsApp & Facebook bundles

    Econet says all Whatsapp bundles allow downloads at the same speeds but have different download caps

  • So you want to go on Facebook ? Give me your wallet!

    Internet services in Zimbabwe are expensive, and our usual refuge of bundled services are now being adjusted. It feels as though we are being robbed, just to access sites and platforms like Facebook.

  • Econet introduces free health assistant tool on its EcoHealth service

    If you are looking for a health assistant, Econet’s latest addition to its EcoHealth Tips ought to help on that front. It’s meant to help with vaccinations, medical appointments and reminders for prescriptions with a health guide specific to your age and gender. The good thing is the service is free.

  • Econet bundles, Hotels.ng’s $1.2 mil, Rocket Internet & Free WiFi in Africa: Podcast

    The latest Techzim podcast with open discussions on trending issues in local technology. This episode covered the Econet Social Bundles misstep, Hotels.ng raising $1.2 million, DEMO Africa coming to Zimbabwe next month and free WiFi in Joburg and Harare.

  • As Jo’burg plans to offer free wifi, why isn’t the City of Harare doing the same?

    Joburg is looking to introduce 1,000 free wifi hotspots in the next year. That’s just one example of investment in tech from national authorities in other African countries. Why can’t the City fo Harare and other local authorities view tech as an investment centre as well?

  • With all these reasons to be upset about Econet’s bundles, you could try these options

    Econet adjusted its social media bundles, but it wasn’t just a play on price. the new bundles packages have data limits. Rather than just yell at the operator, there are other options that you can explore. Here are just three examples, Telecel bundles, NetOne bundles and Africom WiFi.

  • Econet adjusts WhatsApp, Facebook & Opera bundles, brings Lite & Extra options

    Econet has changed its WhatsApp, Facebook and Opera Mini bundles. All three have now have two versions, Lite and Extra. The Lite bundles maintain the old prices but are slower and do not allow downloads. The Extra bundles are double the price of existing bundles but are faster and have download privileges.

  • ZBC’s got 99 Problems but only a partial solution

    The audit report from KPMG on State broadcaster ZBC highlighted the slew of challenges the broadcaster is facing. The exposé also offered some solutions for the broadcaster’s woes. Closer inspection of what is happening in the environment shows that these solutions are limited and won’t do much to save the Corporation.

  • Is Zimpapers ready to become the next Naspers?

    Local print media company, Zimpapers, has appointed a new CEO and Chairman. With changes like this, and the way tech is rattling the news and media industry, this could be the start of a new season for Zimpapers. Will the leadership be agile enough to catch the wave and turn the company into more than…