Online Reporter
Zimpapers Correspondent
Mobile network operator NetOne has introduced a new Reverse Calling (Pay for Me) service that allows subscribers to make phone calls even when they have no airtime, with the call charges transferred to the recipient upon acceptance.
In a statement, NetOne said the service is intended to address communication barriers faced by many Zimbabweans who are often unable to place urgent calls due to lack of airtime.
“Life does not wait for airtime. An emergency does not wait for payday. A job opportunity does not wait until you top up,” the company said adding that missed calls due to zero balance have become a common occurrence affecting families, students, job seekers and small business operators.
Under the Reverse Calling facility, a customer with no airtime can initiate a call, after which the recipient is notified and given the option to either accept and pay for the call or decline it.
NetOne said no charges are incurred if the call is declined.
“The person receiving the call is always informed and always in control. They can accept the call and pay for it, or decline if they cannot,” reads the statement.
NetOne said the service is designed as a practical intervention in a challenging economic environment where access to communication remains critical.
“This service exists because money is tight, but communication is essential.”
NetOne said the facility is expected to benefit a wide range of users, including students in urban areas needing to contact families, informal traders confirming deliveries, farmers negotiating with buyers and job seekers following up on employment opportunities.
“Reverse Calling ensures these calls no longer end before they even start,” reads the statement.
The operator said the introduction of the service aligns with its broader mandate to promote connectivity and social inclusion. “We are not introducing Reverse Calling to be fancy. We are doing so because communication keeps families together, businesses running and lives moving forward.”
NetOne said the service helps to reduce reliance on missed calls and “please call me” messages, which often fail to convey urgency or detailed information.
The company said the initiative reflects its commitment to understanding the everyday challenges faced by its customers.
“We see you. We understand how you live. And we are here to make communication easier for you,” reads the statement.
NetOne stated that access to communication should not be determined by airtime balance, emphasising that the Reverse Calling service is designed to ensure Zimbabweans remain connected when it matters most.
