KEY POINTS
- Econet launches affordable SmartBiz packages, competing with Starlink in Zimbabwe.
- SmartBiz targets small businesses, farmers, schools, and churches with flexible plans.
- Econet upgrades over 1,000 sites to 4G, with more improvements planned.
Econet Wireless, one of the biggest telecoms companies in Zimbabwe has decided to compete with Starlink in the Zimbabwean broadband market by introducing its own cheap fast internet plans. The country’s biggest telecommunications firm recently launched its SmartBiz data packages that targeted small businesses and farmers, schools and even the church. While people are enthralled by Starlink’s satellite internet services, Econet steps up and presents itself as a local player with lower prices and quality connections.
SmartBiz package is available for different business requirements with a basic offer costing as little as $45 per month. Fifty-Mbps speed packages range from $87 up to $417 for higher tiers and provide unlimited Internet service that is very fast. These packages are geared for confrontation with Starlink, which charges a one-time $350 fee for its startup kit, followed by monthly rates starting at $50.
Bridging the digital divide
Newsday reported that Econet’s Chief Operating Officer, Kezito Makuni, reiterated the company’s relentless effort towards continuing the building of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure gap. The Econet Company boasts of having a wide 4G and 5G network that extends to remote businesses to enable them access to the internet with ease. “Our mission is to enhance the prospects for every business across the country and support them to succeed in today’s digital environment,” said Makuni. He pointed out that as much as the prices in the smart biz packages are low they were developed to suit the small business and organizations that may require data but can’t afford it.
Econet has been upgrading its network across Zimbabwe, improving over 1,000 sites with 4G technology in the last 18 months alone. The company plans to upgrade another 500 sites by the end of this financial year. Alongside these improvements, Econet has been modernizing its core network, making it faster, more secure, and more efficient.
Econet’s SmartBiz vs. Starlink
While Starlink is dominating the news as a satellite internet provider, Econet is concentrating on bringing cable Internet to even more clients through an extensive local network. Starlink charges $50 each month for its fundamental bundle, while Econet’s SmartBiz begins at $45 each month, which gives the local organizations a somewhat better rate to begin with. The packages which Starlink offers to its customers include a more expensive roaming package and a business priority package which also costs more than Econect’s, promoting it to be cheaper for many customers.
In addition to the fact that Econet’s packages cost far less than their competitors, they also offer small businesses credit facilities by which the companies can access high-speed internet without paying for expensive hardware upfront. This is why schools, churches and rural farmers can access fast internet connections at a minimal cost, which provides them a platform to grow and look for more markets to penetrate.
Empowering local businesses
Makuni stressed that Econet’s mission is not just to compete with Starlink, but to empower local enterprises. SmartBiz helps small businesses innovate, improve customer experiences, and expand their reach. “Cost predictability is key for any business, and SmartBiz provides that stability,” said Makuni.
The company’s focus on network upgrades and customer-friendly payment options, like the credit facility for routers, further cement Econet’s role in driving Zimbabwe’s digital transformation. By offering affordable, reliable internet, Econet is ensuring that small businesses, farmers, and organizations across the country can participate fully in the global digital economy.
