The rising, cost of mobile data in Zimbabwe continues to be the subject of much public scrutiny with latest reports claiming that the country has the highest data tariffs in the SADC region at an average price of $75.20 for 1GB. The claimed cost of data only accounts for out-of-bundle tariffs – the normal cost based tariff that subscribers are charged when they use actual airtime to access the internet.
In reality, the prevalence of data plans across all the major Mobile Network Operators, make
instances where consumers use actual airtime for internet access a rarity. The popularity of such data plans also speaks volumes as far as access is concerned, specifically, because daily bundles are the cheapest mobile internet solution for the most Zimbabweans.
In addition, the unstable exchange rate of the RTGS dollar and the US dollar also has a
negative bearing on mobile data prices. Even then; research conducted by the Communication Regulators Association of Southern Africa shows Botswana recording the highest data tariffs per megabyte charging US 93, followed by Eswatini charging USD 56 per 1000MB while Zimbabwe charges on average US20
per 1000MB.
This objectively affirms that the cost of mobile data is Zimbabwe is comparatively amongst
the lowest in the region in US$ terms, a testament to efforts by MNOs to make connectivity
more accessible for all.
Leave a Reply