Published: 2 hours ago

Telecoms giant Econet Wireless has sparked widespread public outrage after informing its SmartBiz clients that they must purchase routers within five days or lose access to mobile data services starting September 10, 2025.

The directive, sent to SmartBiz users on September 5, has provoked a strong backlash, with many customers criticizing the high cost of the required routers, which are reportedly selling for up to US$200. In the message, Econet stated: "Dear customer, please note that your data line will only be able to access services through a WiFi router from 10 September. To stay connected please visit an Econet shop to buy a router."

Norton Member of Parliament Richard Tsvangirai condemned the move as exploitative, arguing that it risks worsening digital inequality and undermining national efforts to build a fair digital economy. He said the policy unfairly burdens citizens who already face high data costs, widening the digital divide and contravening the National Development Strategy's goals of promoting inclusive digital access.

The SmartBiz service, launched in June 2024, initially offered customers an unlimited data deal for US$45 per month. However, by July 2025, users began reporting slow internet speeds. It later emerged that Econet had quietly reduced the data cap on the main plan from 1TB to 200GB without notifying customers, fueling further dissatisfaction.

The controversy has placed Econet at the center of a heated public debate over affordability, transparency, and digital inclusion in Zimbabwe's rapidly expanding telecommunications sector.
- newzimbabwe