The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) Director General, Dr. Gift Machengete, addressed a critical gathering of stakeholders in the telecommunications industry. The conference, titled “Telecommunications All Stakeholder Conference,” aimed to address pressing issues and foster collaboration for a sustainable future.
Dr. Machengete acknowledged the diverse representation, including telecom companies, policymakers, consumer advocates, and the public. He emphasized the vital role of telecommunications in the modern world, driving economies, societies, and daily lives.
A central theme was dispelling misconceptions around data costs. Dr. Machengete clarified the distinction between headline tariffs (maximum allowed) and promotional bundles, a source of recent social media debate. He highlighted the need for transparent tariff structures and consumer empowerment to hold operators accountable.
The conference addressed the delicate balance between affordability and operator viability. Dr. Machengete acknowledged the need for affordable services but stressed the importance of adequate investment to maintain and expand infrastructure. Sustainable revenue streams, potentially through tariff adjustments, were presented as crucial for long-term sector health.
The Director General highlighted critical consumer concerns:
- Lack of transparency: Operators’ failure to clearly communicate tariff structures and service downtime was identified as a major frustration.
- Declining Quality of Service: Dropped calls and slow internet speeds demanded immediate attention.
- Disappearing Data: Investigating the root cause of this troubling issue was deemed essentia.
- Disregarding Consumer Complaints: The conference aimed to address operators’ shortcomings in customer service and responsiveness.
Dr. Machengete emphasized collaboration as the key to tackling these challenges. He called upon all stakeholders to actively participate in open and constructive dialogue, fostering a shared vision for a thriving ICT sector in Zimbabwe.
