Econet dangles unlimited data for $15 a month

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…as Starlink enters Zimbabwe’s mobile market.

Observer Business Reporter

Econet Wireless, a major player in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications market, has slashed its prices by ridiculous proportions in a desperate bid to counter the disruptive entry of Starlink, the satellite internet provider. This drastic move reflects the intense competition brewing in the sector as traditional players scramble to retain market share in the face of a new, formidable competitor.

In a bid to lure customers back, Econet has slashed its prices to unbelievable lows. For example, customers can now enjoy 200 minutes and 240 SMSs for a mere $15, while a more extensive bundle of 1890 minutes and 2480 SMSs is available for $195. These price reductions are a stark contrast to previous rates, showcasing the extent to which Econet is willing to go to retain its customer base.

The strategic move by Strive Masiyiwa’s business outfit to lower its prices has garnered positive feedback from customers, indicating a strong interest in the revised offerings. This shift towards more competitive pricing reflects Econet’s strategic pivot to capture a larger market share amidst the growing competition.

Econet’s recent launch of SmartBiz packages, tailored for small and medium enterprises seeking reliable connectivity, has been well-received in the business community. These packages aim to address the increasing demand for dependable internet services among businesses, schools, and organizations, providing affordable broadband solutions to cater to their specific needs.

Customers, including business owners like Calton Mutambi and Sukoluhle Ngwenya, have reported significant benefits from Econet’s services, emphasizing the importance of reliable internet connectivity in enhancing their daily operations and business activities.

Despite the positive reception of Econet’s offerings, the emergence of Starlink with its superior internet speeds and competitive pricing has posed a challenge to Econet’s market position. Starlink’s high-speed internet services, ranging from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps at a monthly cost of $30 to $50, have attracted considerable attention from users, overshadowing Econet’s existing packages.

To counter the threat posed by Starlink, Econet is currently reassessing its pricing strategy, conducting A/B tests to identify the optimal price points for its unlimited data packages. This strategic move aims to strike a balance between meeting customer demands and ensuring profitability in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

As the competition intensifies with the entry of Starlink and the pressure on traditional ISPs like Econet and Liquid Telecom, consumers stand to benefit from the increased choices and potentially lower internet costs. The evolving dynamics in the telecommunications sector indicate a shift towards more affordable and reliable internet services, ultimately enhancing the internet experience for users in Zimbabwe.

In this era of heightened competition and technological advancements, the future of internet connectivity in Zimbabwe hinges on how established players like Econet adapt to the changing market dynamics and the disruptive influence of newcomers like Starlink. As the battle for market supremacy unfolds, consumers can anticipate a wave of innovations and improved services that promise to reshape the internet landscape in the country.