The phone service providers were last month licensed to charge their
tariffs in foreign currency, causing an immediate outcry from the
public which the Ministers' raised as a concern. Ssubscribers' across
the country's three networks Telecel, Econet Wireless and Net One pay
USD0, 29 cents per minute and USD0, 30 cents per 3 minutes on a
landline.
The licensing of phone service providers to charge in foreign currency
came about after they cited serious challenges in the maintenance of
their equipment as the local currency was incessantly and rapidly
losing value. The mobile service providers also said that the foreign
currency would aid in accessing latest software that would see
subscribers keeping up with the latest technologies.
Meanwhile, Econet Wireless Holdings has reportedly secured a US$94
million dollars loan to procure equipment for upgrading and expanding
the network's capacity. The move is set to improve service to existing
subscribers and take on another 500 000 more subscribers.
Econet Wireless is the largest mobile phone operator in Zimbabwe.
The Ministers of Media, Information and Publicity, and Information
Communication Technology, Webster Shamu and Nelson Chamisa,
respectively, were sworn in on February 13, 2009. However, it is still
not clear what portfolios each of the ministries handle.
MISAÂ
Post published in: World News