NetOne, Zimbabwe's first cellular network operator, was established in 1996 as a parastatal entity under the ownership of the Zimbabwean government. It was launched during the World Solar Summit in Harare with an initial capacity of 500 lines. The network expanded to Bulawayo in 1997 during the International Trade Fair. As a subsidiary of the Post and Telecommunication Corporation (PTC), NetOne has grown to become the second-largest cellular company in Zimbabwe, boasting 4,472,592 subscribers by 2021. The company provides a range of services, including basic telephony, vehicle tracking, short messaging, broadband, and international roaming. Over the years, NetOne has continuously upgraded its network infrastructure to meet the growing demand for mobile communication services.
Country
Zimbabwe
Type
Mobile Network Operator
NetOne Zimbabwe logo

3G Network

NetOne launched their 3G network over the B1 (2100 MHz) frequency band in 2011. U900 support was added at a later date.

Network Frequency Band Status Known UARFCNs
B1 (2100 MHz)
Active
10662
B8 (900 MHz)
Active
2998
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 3G Network
Launch

4G Network

NetOne's 4G network was launched using the LTE frequency band B3 (1800 MHz) in November 2014. The deployment of 275 4G base stations began as part of a broadband expansion initiative in 2021. This expansion was aimed at improving internet speeds and network reliability across Zimbabwe. The 4G network supports high-speed data services, catering to the increasing demand for mobile internet. The network's capabilities were further enhanced with the deployment of additional base stations under the National Mobile Broadband Phase 3 project, which included 219 new sites. Regional 4G services have seen deployments of B8 (900 MHz)

4G Frequency Bands
Network Frequency Band Status Known EARFCNs
B3 (1800 MHz)
Active
1375
B8 (900 MHz)
Active
3468
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 4G Network
Launch

5G Network

In response to rising competition and the growing demand for high-speed internet, NetOne launched its 5G base stations in October 2024. The deployment aimed to provide lightning-fast internet speeds and support the digital transformation of various sectors, including agriculture, smart cities, and digital classrooms. The 5G rollout followed the deployment of 275 4G base stations and was part of NetOne's broader strategy to expand its broadband capabilities. The company demonstrated 5G speeds of up to 1.1 Gbps, showcasing the potential of the new network. NetOne's 5G initiative was also driven by the need to compete with Starlink, which had recently entered the Zimbabwean market. The 5G network is expected to drive innovation and efficiency across multiple industries, marking a significant milestone in NetOne's technological evolution.

Network Frequency Band Status
n78 (3500 MHz)
Active
Date Event Subtype
Launch of 5G Network
Launch