UNWTO and Tech advances, Econet, TelOne and Harare 4G LTE speedtests

L.S.M Kabweza Avatar
The Econet 4G LTE dongle we used for the test. The dongle (and probably the network) is supplied by ZTE
The Econet 4G LTE dongle we used for the test. The dongle (and probably the network) is supplied by ZTE

Ok, so we did a speedtest in Victoria Falls, even with the reality that Econet’s new 4G Network wasn’t ready for UNWTO. It was literally impossible to rent a dongle and use so that was some easy “we have 4G LTE at the UNWTO!” mileage they got. And it’s not just them that took the press for a ride (and their readers as a result – we apologise) with announcements of just-in-time UNWTO tech advances; we hear TelOne’s “hotspots all over the town” could only be accessed at the airport, and that when one a source tried connecting, it just didn’t work. Both companies basically declined to comment on it, which usually implies a confirmation.

But anyway, back to 4G, Econet was quick to say that the 4G at the showgrounds was working and that we could test it and satisfy ourselves new lightning fast internet has finally come to Zimbabwe. We also took heed of the comments by you readers here that our claim are pointless that speedtests on international websites are not reliable for a test; the truth, the reality of internet content access in Zimbabwe, which many of your pointed is that it’s predominantly international sources. When we got the chance at the showgrounds, we therefore did international and regional speedtests as well.

speedtest-londonOn the right side is the speedtest results for a test to a server in the UK. It’s a download speed of 5.5 Mbps and 8.63 Mbps. A bit of a surprise yes to have it uploading data at a much faster rate than downloads. But we also have to admit that the tests produced surprising result for the most parts. Check for example these other results for tests to the UK. We’re guessing yet again that this is an issue of an empty network. Tests once commercial use of the network commences should yield different results and hopefully more explainable disparities. We were promised the dongles would be available today but we haven’t been able to verify if you can walk into an Econet shop now and just buy.

speedtests-johannaOn the left is a screenshot of the result of a test to a regional server in Johannesburg server, which did 23.69 Mbps download and 22.39 upload.

Like the UK, we did many many regional tests, and those that would like to check them can see this text file which contains the result links.

9 comments

  1. DuwayneGoddard

    Okay this all sounds interesting but without knowing pricing its as good never knowing about it and this i mean Econet might charge an arm an a leg for 4G.
    On the other hand i’m sure like me other gamers are hoping the price won’t be ridiculous so we can network without having to go to someones house due to the shocking speeds we get from other networks.

    1. lurker133

      Same old price, just a quicker way to use up your expensive data as Chihelele also noted

  2. tekGURUZIM

    Fake 4G kikikikikikikiki

  3. Chihelele

    http://www.speedtest.bbmax.co.uk/

    Link above give the very best of results.

    On pricing Econet said there will be no extra charge for 4G, except that your data will run out much faster

  4. Muti

    243ms for ping is too much. I wont be able to play Planetside with a high ping.

  5. Annoyed by Econet

    Econet are always good at selling products that they don’t have. Fake 4G, Fake smart deals without the devices (no branch in Zim has ipad 4, S4 or the Note 10.1 they are bombarding customers with everyday). Telone the same, broadband that crawls at a snail speed. I think Zimbos have been taken along the garden path for a while now. Why can’t companies just sell what they goddam have?

  6. Farai

    One day, just one day will service providers pay for their arrogance…

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