Chronicle Editor
Kiyapili Sibanda, Business Reporter
THE country’s major three mobile operators increased their investment by 382.6 percent to $50.5 million compared to $10.5 recorded in the previous quarter, a report has shown.
During the period the three operators — NetOne, Econet and Telecel — generated a total of $185.6 million in the second quarter of 2017, which represents a 3.2 percent increase from $179.8 million recorded in the prior quarter.
The Postal and Telecommunication Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) indicated in its second quarter sector performance that NetOne’s market share increased by 0.5 percent, whereas the market share of Econet and Telecel declined by 0.1 percent and 0.4 percent.
“The three mobile operators generated a total of $185.6 million in the second quarter of 2017. This represents a 3.2 percent increase from $179.8 million recorded in the previous quarter. The aggregate average revenue per user per month remained at $3.98,” said Potraz.
“NetOne’s market share increased by 0.5 percent, whereas the market share of Econet and Telecel declined by 0.1 percent and 0.4 percent, respectively.”
The sector performance report attributed the increase in revenue to the significant jump in mobile internet usage at 16 percent.
“Mobile internet will continue to dominate internet use in the country when compared to the fixed internet technologies, due to the convenience of mobile internet.
“Fibre, as well as LTE access, will continue to grow as coverage improves due to continued investment in fibre and LTE infrastructure. The improved affordability of data because of promotions, use of plastic money and e-banking as well as the increasing smart phone penetration, will also bolster the data revolution,” it said.
The report added that the contribution of data and internet revenue to fixed and mobile revenues would grow as demand for data and internet services continues to rise.
Potraz said competition for subscribers was expected to get stiffer across markets mainly on prices, new products and service. This would be of benefit to the consumer.
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