Econet goes hard promoting LTE – offers subscribers 300 MB free data

Nigel Gambanga Avatar

The Econet LTE that we wrote about and discussed in our previous podcast, after the operator had finally opened up the service to mobile phones (it used to be accessed through a modem only) has now taken full flight – from a promotional standpoint at least.

Not only has Econet been making a fair amount of noise about the faster network, sharing how-tos on activating it and important information on compatible devices, it has also extended free broadband as part of an LTE.

Subscribers are being encouraged to test the service and everyone who signs up to the LTE Test drive is receiving 300 MB of free data which is valid for 3 days.

It’s great market entry strategy, considering that most subscribers would have been stuck on 3G if they weren’t given a feel of how fast LTE can be compared to 3G speeds. And so far, it seems to be working well.

The responses from subscribers on the Econet Facebook page indicate a warm reception for the service, with a lot of applause for the broadband freebie.

In the 4G race, Econet is going up against NetOne, which has been very aggressive with its LTE network expansion. NetOne has a wider nationwide coverage in terms of LTE, with a presence in every province through 45 active base stations and another 15 set for activation in the short term. This total doesn’t account for more work being carried out in its nationwide LTE network and service upgrade.

Econet hasn’t been ignoring LTE coverage, though. The operator has extended its LTE footprint and according to information we received from sources at Econet, the LTE base stations total in Harare has increased to about 20, exceeding NetOne’s total. Econet has maintained 5 base stations in Bulawayo and it’s still got its initial placement in Vitoria Falls.

Econet has been taking a shot at at NetOne through its advertising, though, running with the tag, “No New SIM required”, which one-ups NetOne and its new LTE SIM requirements.  Let’s just hope the two networks compete on broadband price and network availability as well.

27 comments

  1. fourwallsinaroom

    Nigel,
    About that sim that you received from Net*One! Whats the story.
    Secondly how do we sign up for LTE?

  2. fourwallsinaroom

    Oh and what phones is Econet offering for 4G and at what price?

  3. Richard

    Interesting times indeed if the two operators are going toe to toe. Let’s hope the competition leads to quality service and ultimate customer satisfaction. We are still waiting for that Lte speed test which you promised us. The number of times I have opened this page looking for that info is now ridiculous.

  4. WIND ENERGY

    4G/LTE ICON YAKAITA SEI? L , OR 4G/LTE
    3G – E ,H -OR H+

    1. developer

      it will simply say 4G next to your network bar, the is if your phone is compatible with 4G

    2. TendaiC

      Maybe more educative fliers on this 4G Lte will help people understand better.

  5. WIND ENERGY

    The cellular data connection icons and types of connections they represent can vary by mobile operator.
    The 4G icon icon may be used for a variety of cellular data connections—including LTE and HSPA+.
    For an LTE connection, you might see an LTE icon icon instead of an LTE icon or 4G icon icon.
    When your cellular data connection is being used to transfer data, you may see the Cellular data used icon icon, depending on your mobile operator. This icon only appears on phones that have Windows Phone software version 8.0.10501.127 or later. See How do I update my phone software? for more info on updating your phone. https://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/how-to/wp8/basics/how-do-i-update-my-phone-software

  6. WIND ENERGY

    The cellular data connection icons and types of connections they represent can vary by mobile operator.
    The 4G icon icon may be used for a variety of cellular data connections—including LTE and HSPA+.
    For an LTE connection, you might see an LTE icon icon instead of an LTE icon or 4G icon icon.
    When your cellular data connection is being used to transfer data, you may see the 3G icon, depending on your mobile operator. This icon only appears on phones that have Windows Phone software version 8.0.10501.127 or later. See How do I update my phone software? for more info on updating your phone. https://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/how-to/wp8/basics/how-do-i-update-my-phone-software – See more at: http://www.techzim.co.zw/2015/10/econet-goes-hard-promoting-lte-offers-subscribers-300-mb-free-data/#comment-260083

  7. cool

    well done Nigel ,u proved that u hv iron balls

    1. cool

      check my speedtest http://i.imgur.com/ccN7cm5.jpg

      1. High flying

        I see, this may have had more to do with death of the dream bundles than I realised! With speeds like this, people would have a real chance of using up that 3gb in a useful time frame!

        1. cool

          ahhh bro ,thts 3g speed on a 4g network kkkk . y should I sacrifice my battery on a 4g network that yields same speeds as 3g? some time ago I used to dowload @12 mbps with my econet line via 3g (for free ,don’t ask me hw coz th trick was sealed)

          1. High flying

            lol, you’ve brought me down to earth! But it’s funny how those speeds never really translated to a good browsing experience for me, even with my phone tethered to a pc.

  8. High flying

    The banner plane flew over our office this morning, they really are throwing money at this. However, my misfortune in being suckered into getting the Ace 3 Duos over the Ace 3 lte has come back to bite me. Is the ace still the cheapest (brand new) lte phone around?

  9. cool

    never mind about the “.” just pretend like its 86mbps kkkkk

  10. cool

    iesh econet is pain on on **s u know, with ths massive load shedding don’t b surprised to see yo phone switching from 3g to edge then h+ and back to edge with in a minute. If u r using android u beta lock yo device to 3g only ,to do so just punch this shot code on your droid phone *#*#4636#*#* then click Phone infomation ,and scroll down to Set preferred network then select wcdma only. that’s the trick I use to lock my phone to 4g or 3g

  11. proudly zii

    No wonder the dream bundles went sleepin’….the answer z 4GLTE lyk High Flyin’ said

  12. proudly zii

    Abt battery consumption,4GLTE drains 4 real n thats a real deal 4 mi,4 those who have 2750mAh,u better just act lyk u didn’t hear abt that cz it takes lyk (x1.5) more than 3G

  13. pewasu

    hy

  14. Chris Mberi

    Has anyone been able to connect with a phone in Bulawayo

    1. Sputnik

      No. I just eneable the LTE but no realization of a change in speed. And where is my 300MB of data?

    2. Net Neutrality

      Have searched wide and high in Byo.. Nothing like that exists!!!! #sad….
      See my chat with Econet guys
      http://i.imgur.com/1HsXVBX.png

    3. mupari

      ZTE guys are still working to enable CSFB so its currently limited to dongles in Byo

  15. justin

    Does Econet know that most of their subscribers are still stuck in 2G. In Mablereigh, the Edge network is killing the love for Econet and the internet

  16. Citizen4

    So far I have only seen the 4G icon twice, in town and Belgravia shops. The rest of the time it’s H. Now won’t be able to finish the free data in time with these slow H speeds 🙁

  17. Ephraim

    the 4G/LTE is a welcome development from Econet but the network availability is just pathetic. for lack of a better word lets just say bad. some instances in the CBD you get “emergency calls only” which is a clear indication that the network is not available. They need to deploy more LTE terminals before rolling out the 4G service because right now the experience is painting them bad. i have had the privilege of experiencing 4G/LTE service elsewhere and it was an amazing experience. This one we have now is an absolute opposite of the one I had. Improve the network first then deploy the service. thats my take on it……..O&O

  18. Gary

    If you live in Harare, you seem to have a steady Internet connection, as soon as you drive out of Harare, you can say goodbye! I have complained to deaf ears for over 2 years now about the internet connection in KweKwe…. Can you rather invest in upgrading your system so there is less congestion.

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