Zimbabwe regulator reviewing internet data charges

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Dr. Gift Machengete, POTRAZ Director General

A report in the state owned daily publication, The Herald, says POTRAZ is currently “evaluating local data charges and major cost drivers amid indications the cost of data in Zimbabwe is too high.”

This apparently follows reports last year that Zimbabwe has the third highest internet data charges in Africa after South Sudan and Swaziland.

Said POTRAZ director general on the issue:

In our studies we assess where we are compared to the region and why we are where we are. The issue of data, that it is expensive (in Zimbabwe) is something that I am personally interested in. I am looking into that, to say how possible is it in terms of making sure that data is affordable in the country?

 

7 comments

  1. Anonymous

    Maybe a full 10% special government excise duties (the latest 5% for something to do with the health sector apparently) on all data charges, plus 15% VAT has something to do with it? A minimum of 25% on top of the service charge goes straight to government taxes. $2.50 for every $10 spent on data?! Wonder why it’s so expensive? hmmmm….scratching my head.

    1. Anonymous2

      Dont forget to mention the licence fees. How does it compare with the rest of Africa

      1. Garikai Dzoma

        This is myopic government that is only interested in itself. These are the same idiots who colluded with Service Providers not so long ago to hike data. More election posturing.

  2. Sagitarr

    Why do (some) highly qualified people quibble over the simplest and clearest issues of all? What is really cheap in Zimbabwe right now? Grabbed farms!! and soon, urban stands for the very naive.

  3. mbuya oni

    ITS ABOUT TIME ECONET GETS STOPPED RIGHT IN ITS TRACKS. ROBING PEOPLE. IF YOU BUY 50MB OF DATA AND WATCH A SIMPLE 5MIN YOUTUBE CLIP…..GONE IS YOUR MONEY

  4. Ini

    While at it, review the cost of doing business for ISPs and MNOs, not the govt owned who take free rides.

  5. liberty chatikobo

    it does so cozy there is no enough competition in telecommunication companies ,,,see what telecel n net one does competition is not enough

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