ZOL Zimbabwe Unveils myZOLphone Mobile App

Zimbabwe Online (ZOL), one of the biggest Internet Service provider in Zimbabwe has unveiled a low cost myZOLmobile phone application that will enable Internet users to receive 08677 calls on their connection and WhatsApp calls on Android and iOS smartphones.

myZOLphone is a VoIP (Voice over IP) service, that converts standard telephone audio into digital format that can be transmitted over the internet, and by converting incoming digital phone signals from the internet to standard telephone audio.

When travelling internationally you do not need to have access to high speed internet connection, you can continue to receive calls on ZiNumber. This means you can stay in touch with your business partners and family wherever you are.

As of this writing the app is only available on Android and you can download it on playstore, but ZOL said they are working a version of IOS will be on App store on 1 Novembers.

ZOL’s new app will have the same functions as other over-the-top (OTT) application like Whatsapp and Skype .OTT is any app or service that provides a product over the Internet and bypasses traditional distribution. Services that come over the top are most typically related to media and communication and are generally, if not always, lower in cost than the traditional method of delivery.

For one to use the use the myZOLPhone ,the cost will be $1 once-off fee and a Copy of ID and filling up a Signup form required. And start receiving calls there and then.

“All you need is an internet connection to use your myZOLphone app.  If you are able to receive a WhatsApp call on your connection, you are able to receive a 08677 call on your connection. It is about the strength of your reception,” ZOL said.

“Bring the Diaspora back home through use of ZiNumber.  You can talk to any ZiNumber customer for free no matter where they are in the world and exports your contacts from your phone’s directory onto the app,” ZOL added.

The potential of OTT has opened many doors to cheap and reliable communication for all parties with most telecommunication companies world over and Zimbabwe.

VoIP is not a new technology, it has been in use in many other platforms but having telecoms players embracing it is a sure sign that the writing is now on the wall for GSM technology, the system that is being currently used by all mobile network operators in Zimbabwe.

All ZiNumber users will be charged US$0,10 per minute to all local networks and billing is per second, with airtime vouchers available at Econet shops, ZOL offices, while mobile top up can be done online using Ecocash, MasterCard Visa card or Telecash.

Customers will also enjoy free ZOL to ZOL calls and customers will enjoy features such as — caller ID, call forwarding, call recording, call diverts, voicemail to email, auto attendants, queues etc.