Zimbabwe’s largest mobile network operator Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has advised its customers that it is increasing the prices of data packages. The development comes after the telecommunications regulator POTRAZ orders mobile operators Econet and Government owned Netone to roll over expired data.
Currently the prices of Econet daily data bundles are at $7 for 40MB for the lowest data bundle and $65 for 1200 mega bytes for the largest bundle. Daily social media bundles are going for $3 for 20 mega bytes being the lowest priced bundle. The largest daily bundle for social media use is going for $8 with data amounting to 45 mega bytes.
Econet sent the following message on 10 March 2020:
Dear Customer. Please take note, bundle prices for Data & SMS will be reviewed effective 11 March 2020. Dial *143# to buy Data or *140# to buy SMS Bundles.
The parallel market rate has also risen to RTGS 40 for a United States Dollar. The two currencies were considered at par as of February 2018. The rise in the parallel market rate signals the worsening of economic fortunes in the country. The local currency has been on a free fall against the United States Dollar since the the currencies were deemed unequal in 2018.