Econet Wireless Zimbabwe

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe was the first company to introduce 3G data services in Zimbabwe in August 2009. This marked a significant milestone in the country's telecommunications landscape, enabling faster internet speeds and improved connectivity for mobile users. The introduction of 3G services allowed Econet to capture a substantial market share, with data traffic market share reaching at least 67% and voice traffic at least 70% by 2019. The company continued to expand its 3G network coverage, ensuring widespread access across Zimbabwe.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe launched its 4G LTE network in August 2013, further enhancing its service offerings with faster data speeds and improved network reliability. The company embarked on a network expansion programme, upgrading existing 3G sites to LTE and expanding coverage to previously underserved areas. By October 2021, Econet had rolled out 130 new base stations, significantly increasing its LTE infrastructure. The company held a 66.1% market share for LTE base stations, reinforcing its leadership in the mobile internet sector. In 2023, Econet announced a major network upgrade programme in Manicaland Province, targeting the upgrade of all 3G sites to 4G LTE by November 2023. This programme included the deployment of 30 new 4G base stations, bringing the total number of 4G/LTE base stations in the province to 205 by February 2024. The upgrade aimed to deliver faster data speeds, better connectivity, and improved call quality for Econet customers.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe began its journey towards 5G technology with the allocation of test spectrum by the Postal and Telecommunications Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) in 2022. The company launched the country's first high-speed Fifth Generation (5G) mobile broadband technology in partnership with global technology giants Ericsson and ZTE in February 2022. The initial rollout began in Harare, with plans to expand 5G coverage to other parts of Zimbabwe throughout the year. By October 2024, Econet's 5G network had become generally available in many parts of Zimbabwe, including key locations such as the Central Business District of Harare, Avondale, Robert Mugabe International Airport, Zindoga Shopping Center, and Harare Hospital. The 5G service offered average download speeds of around 35 Mbps, representing a significant improvement over the existing 4G network. Econet's investment in 5G infrastructure underscored its commitment to maintaining its market leadership and advancing Zimbabwe's digital transformation.