The cost of mobile data in Zimbabwe continues to be the subject of much public scrutiny, with latest reports claiming that the country has the highest data tariffs in the SADC region at an average price of $75.20 for 1GB.
However,
while those numbers are enough to send consumers in a frenzy calling for reduction
in the cost of mobile data, the methodology behind them doesn’t necessarily
paint the full picture.
Firstly,
the claimed cost of data only accounts for out-of-bundle tariffs – the normal
cost based tariff that subscribers are charged when they use actual airtime to
access the internet. In reality, the prevalence of data plans across all the
major Mobile Network Operators, make instances where consumers use actual
airtime for internet access a rarity.
The
popularity of such data plans also speaks volumes as far as access is
concerned, specifically because daily bundles are the cheapest mobile internet
solution for the majority of Zimbabweans.
In
addition, the unstable exchange rate of the RTGS dollar and the US dollar also
has a negative bearing on mobile data prices.
Even then, research conducted by the Communication Regulators Association of Southern Africa shows Botswana recording the highest data tariffs per megabyte charging US 93, followed by Eswatini charging US56 per 1000MB while Zimbabwe charges on average US20 per 1000MB.
This
objectively affirms that the cost of mobile data is Zimbabwe is comparatively
amongst the lowest in the region in US$ terms, a testament to efforts by MNOs
to make connectivity more accessible for all.
