Mobile Network Operators Warned 0n Tariff Hikes

The Postal and Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has warned of stiffer penalties on mobile network operators who increased tariffs without approval from Potraz.

This came following Econet’s increase in data bundle and SMS tariffs earlier this week.

Gift Machengete, Potraz director-general yesterday said mobile network operators will be dealt with if they go ahead to increase tariffs without approval.

“We have not authorised any tariff increase and if, at all, they are increasing above their threshold, we will penalise them for such a move.

“There are no approved increases so far. We have requested the mobile networks to submit information pertaining to their costs for us to feed the information into the TPI, which then informs us if there is any need for tariff increase. Machengete said.

Gift Machengete said the increase in tariff charges should not just happen at random but should be basing on facts.

“Our decisions must be informed by facts,” he said.

Machengete said while consumers must expect an increase within network providers’ promotions, there was no general increment in tariffs above what was approved last year.

Last year, the regulator only approved three tariff increases with the last increase issued through regulatory notice circular number 3 of 2019 in August 2019, where mobile tariffs were reviewed by a telecommunications price index