By Byron Mutingwende
One of the leading mobile telephony service providers, NetOne is set to transform the lives of the generality of the Zimbabwean population following its launch of two important products namely OneCover and OneTech.
Speaking during the launch in Harare on 17 August 2017, Brian Mutandiro, the NetOne Acting Chief Executive Officer said the two products were set to transform the lives of the generality of Zimbabweans.
“These two important products, OneCover and OneTech will transform the lives of the generality of Zimbabweans. These products are just a continuation of NetOne’s promise to the nation of bringing change and transforming lives of our customers,” Mutandiro said.
Mutandiro said the products were a result of NetOne’s quest to responding to the information and communication technology (ICT) needs of its customers. He said OneTech was a scheme for Netone’s existing and prospective subscribers bacrolled by BancEASY, a subsidiary of BanABC to the tune of $10 million.
“NetOne customers will have an option to choose from a variety of smartphones from reputable international brands like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, Alcatel, ZTE and Lenovo. The phones range from old versions to the latest releases like Samsung 8+, Huawei P10 and Mate 9. These are the latest brands. To buy a smartphone, customers will get a loan from BancEASY which they will use to pay for the device,” he added.
The devices will come with complemantary free OneFusion airtime for 12 months with customers getting a maximum of OneFusion $20 per month, depending on the device one chooses to purchase. One Tech comes after a lot of customers were complaining and highlighting that in as much as they want to be on OneFusion, they could not afford smartphones to enjoy their OneFusion packages.
The gadgets, which are already in all NetOne shops throughout the country, are offered on a 12-month credit scheme, with a warrant cover. To ensure the success of this initiative, NetOne has set up a repair support centre where customers can get after-sales support.
To access the exciting packages, salaried customers have to fill in an application form and bring supporting documents namely payslip, proof of residence, ID and a letter form the employer.
James Wadi, the Chairman of BanEasy said such an innovation was meant to meet the ever-changing taste of business clients in line with the fast pace of the changing technology. He said the partnership with NetOne would help in reaching out to many people that are not being served by the banking system.
“Close to 40 or 50 percent of the Zimbabwean economy is informal. Thus, the innovation is one way of tapping into the informal sector to enable players to contribute to the bigger economic cake. The $10 million facility is significant because Zimbabwe is currently going through economic challenges. This is why we are levering on technology to reach out to people far away from urban centres with financial services,” Wadi said.
Another product, OneCover, is an affordable micro mobile insurance that offers insurance to NetOne subscribers. First Mutual Life (FML) underwrites this product offer. OneCover seeks to drive inclusion through affordable plans, easy access, leveraging on the reputation and the market share of NetOne Cellular. The user experience is 100% mobile, from sign-up to claims initiation.
It is a voluntary opt-in service which will be available to any NetOne prepaid and post-paid subscribers, who will register through a self-assisted USSD 8400#, SMS 404 and mobile insurance App. Subscribers will have the privilege to add on their dependants so that the cover caters for everyone including the senior citizens.
Peter Shoniwa, the Operations Executive of FML said they partnered NetOne in offering the insurance product in order to include the financial inclusion of the poor.
“Through OneCover, there is no need for people in rural areas to travel long distances to complete proposal forms. As long as one has a Netone line, one can register for OneCover. There is no need to submit hard copies of proposal forms. It also allows clients to add beneficiaries after registration,” Shoniwa said.
OneCover premiums and claims payments will be made via One Mobile Financial Service platform. Premiums will be deducted automatically from subscribers’ wallet and in the event that one does not have sufficient funds in his/her account, a reminder will be sent to notify the policyholder that the premium is due.
For accidental death, the waiting period for all plans will be three months on the Main Life issued. There shall be six months waiting period on other adult dependants; non-biological children; biological children above 23 years age attained and subsequent spouses.
