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Ever since the leading government-owned mobile telephony giant, Netone had stable leadership, the company is registering significant in-roads on the path to revival.
From the time Engineer Raphael Mushanawani took over the reins as acting until he became the NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, there have been several notable positive changes.
The company has been offering seamless and ubiquitous products since 2022, giving stiff competition to Econet, the largest mobile telephony company by subscriber base.
NetOne reviewed a combo of products and services by offering more value and convenience to customers with customised packages comprising Voice, Data, and SMS bundles.
The mobile operator’s data bundles now allow users to stay connected for longer periods at affordable rates. Its innovative combo — powered by a high-speed mobile broadband connection with NetOne OneFi bundles — enhances access to fast internet browsing, and affordable calling rates for on-net, off-net local, regional, and international calls.
In 2022, statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics (Zimstats) and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Potraz) ICT Access by Households and Individuals Report indicated that mobile data is now the most widely accessible form of connectivity at 95.7% for narrowband and 93.1% for broadband.
The company has also maintained a foothold in community development initiatives.
Netone is involved in corporate social initiatives (CSI) covering health, education, care, and empowerment only to mention a few. Notably, it is partnering with other corporates to help persons with albinism. Recently, it embarked on a nationwide e-health programme with First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa.
NetOne partnered with Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company to launch smart meters to provide convenience to customers. In the past, electricity was bought at the shops but now it is being done via the phones. There is no need for mobile network operators to top up tokens at base stations. This can be done anywhere. This reduces travel costs. The base stations can be topped up anywhere. NetOne is ZETDC’s partner of choice when it comes to connectivity.
NetOne SIM cards are readily available throughout its distribution channels and customers can purchase new SIM cards or replace them at any of its channels including NetOne Shops, Zimpost outlets, and authorized dealers. The NetOne SIM card’s official price is US$1 or ZiG equivalent at the interbank rate.
NetOne upgraded its network infrastructure, resulting in a marked enhancement of both data and voice services for its esteemed customers.
To protect consumers and maintain fair market practices, NetOne has taken proactive measures by implementing penalties and regulations against unauthorized dealers who hiked the exchange rate for its products and services.
The company addressed the phenomenon of unauthorized airtime dealers who engaged in the sale of NetOne airtime without proper authorization from the network operator.
These dealers often operated outside the official channels and parameters as prescribed in their binding dealership contracts, taking advantage of the demand for airtime by setting inflated prices and exploiting unsuspecting customers. This practice not only hampered but also undermined the affordability and accessibility of essential communication services.
The company also introduced controls in its financial management jurisprudence wherein it stopped the transfer of large sums of money from OneMoney to Ecocash. The move saw several individuals arrested who were involved in a phantom money syndicate.
The company is partnering with the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure seamless communication during the Gastronomy Forum in Africa and the 44th SADC Summit.