adminThandeka Moyo Chronicle Correspondent
CELLULAR network provider, NetOne, yesterday disconnected its customers under unclear circumstances leaving scores of subscribers in complete communication blackout.In separate interviews, subscribers said they had been failing to recharge their phones as well as connecting to other networks.
The disgruntled customers were yesterday morning seen queuing at NetOne offices in Bulawayo seeking reconnection.
“I have been failing to make calls and to top up since Tuesday evening. I received a text on Tuesday advising us that unlimited calls promotion had been suspended till 2 August.
“However, I was surprised on Wednesday morning when I failed to make calls and my friends were asking why my number was no longer in use. I need to be in touch and since we are waiting for the results of the harmonised elections, it is disturbing that I cannot phone,” said Mr Courage Nkomo.
Another customer who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “I came here as early as 7am to speak to NetOne officials who disconnected my line without any notice.
“I am hoping they will reconnect me because I have missed out on many business transactions.”
Another woman who sells recharge cards in the city centre said she was risking losing business as some of her customers were accusing her of selling used NetOne recharge cards. “I received complaints from friends and customers who bought recharge cards from me. They think that I am selling used cards and I am happy they discovered it was a network problem when they saw the long queue by the offices,” said the woman.
She said her phone was also rejecting her NetOne sim card.
Mr Khulekani Tshuma from Insiza expressed concern over the issue, saying his line was working but he was failing to contact his friends in Bulawayo. “This network is also affecting us the rural folk. I have managed to recharge but am failing to make phone calls to other NetOne users.
We appeal to NetOne to fix the problem as a matter of urgency,” he said.
Contacted for comment, NetOne public relations officer, Mr Rutendo Chabururuka referred this reporter to the public relations officer of the Postal and Telecommunications and Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), Mrs Sibo Muteyiwa. However, efforts to get her comment were fruitless as her phone continuously went unanswered.
Online Reporter