LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
Zimbabwe’s largest mobile telecommunications operator, Econet Wireless says it has adopted a new business model to become a fully-fledged digital company, it has been learnt.
Company secretary, Charles Banda, said the transformation to a digital solutions company from being a communications service provider would help the company serve its customers better.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the way business is conducted, he said.
“Greater investment is required in the information communications Technologies (ICT) sector if we are to realise the full potential that our country has to offer. As we continue on the transformation journey to becoming a fully-fledged digital services provider, we are refining our business model to deliver innovative digital solutions to the needs of our consumers,” Banda said.
He said in an increasingly digital world, demand for Econet’s products and services remains high as the company assists in bridging the digital divide and bringing a new way of living to the society.
Currently, Banda said the investment in network infrastructure has positioned Econet to be the digital connectivity partner of choice for remote business operations, humanitarian and social connections.
“…More investment is necessary to allow us to meet the increasing needs of our customers. We remain as committed as ever to provide faster speeds and wider coverage in line with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Covid-19 relief programme through deployment of additional LTE sites as well as accessing additional 3G spectrum,” he said.
Econet, Banda said, wants to create a new digital future that leaves no Zimbabwean behind and has started exploring new opportunities brought about by recent changes in technology so that Zimbabwe is at the fore front of technological change and advancement.
In the quarter to May 31,2021, Banda said data and voice traffic volumes increased by the 77% and 25% respectively from comparable prior year period which has put a strain on network “although we have been able to accommodate this capacity growth”.
Econet is committed to sustainable pricing that takes into account the realities of the prevailing economic environment, whilst balancing affordability for the customer and the sustainability of the business, Banda said.
The company will continue to work closely with the regulator to periodically review the sector specific cost models.
Banda said Econet’s goal is to ensure that its pricing remains relevant and appropriate for the consumer whilst allowing the company to generate sufficient resources for continued investment.
“In order to ensure that we remain cost relevant to our customers, we employ big data analytics to customise our consumer packages and launch targeted campaigns to drive usage and sustain the active customer base,” Banda said.
The company said its connectivity has facilitated educational, social, economic and other opportunities to its customers despite the lack of adequate investment due to challenges in accessing foreign currency.
