NetOne Joins Econet in Zimbabwe’s 5G Race

NetOne has officially launched 5G base stations in Zimbabwe, joining Econet Wireless in providing the nation with high-speed connectivity. Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who officiated the launch in Harare, called it a “transformative leap forward”. Econet was the first to introduce 5G in Zimbabwe back in February 2022, making it the only mobile operator in the country to offer 5G at the time. While Econet had a total of 22 5G base stations operational by December 2022, NetOne’s launch expands 5G availability, promising quicker internet speeds and better digital services for businesses and individuals. Something that all Zimbabweans would want to hear especially those that cannot afford Starlink’s satelite internet.

In addition to NetOne’s 5G base stations in Harare, the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has set up 14 additional base station towers across seven provinces, focusing on rural and underserved areas. This initiative aims to provide previously unconnected communities with access to information, education, and economic opportunities, ultimately fostering digital literacy and enabling citizens to actively participate in the digital economy

Econet, in particular, is continuing its network modernisation program by adding more 5G sites across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. NetOne’s entry into the 5G space marks a significant development for Zimbabwe’s technological landscape. The combined efforts of both NetOne and Econet are expected to drive the nationwide adoption of 5G, offering a faster and more connected future for Zimbabwe. However, this advancement poses a challenge for Telecel, the third mobile operator in Zimbabwe. Telecel has been noticeably silent regarding its 5G plans. Telecel is struggling to keep up, with only 17 4G base stations deployed as of May 2023. In contrast, Econet boasts over 900 4G base stations. This disparity in infrastructure investment raises concerns about Telecel’s ability to compete in the rapidly evolving market. The aggressive 5G rollout by Econet and NetOne could potentially leave Telecel further behind, impacting its market share and customer base. While increased competition could lead to better pricing for consumers, Telecel’s ability to participate in this price war remains uncertain.