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Zimbabwe’s converged ICT service provider Africom has partnered a United States- based cloud telephony services provider Zimfon Mobile to launch an ultra low call home facility for Zimbabweans living abroad. The facility, which was launched in Harare on Monday, allows Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to enjoy low-cost unlimited calls to Zimbabwe for as little as US2 cents per hour compared to the international call rates which average US30 cents to US49 cents per minute.
“For as little as just under US2 cents per hour subscribers will be able to enjoy virtually unlimited calls to Zimbabwe, a situation that will see Diasporans paying less in order to stay in touch with their loved ones back home.
“The new service will be the first ever innovative solution in the region to be launched by Zimbabweans for Zimbabweans,” said Zimfon spokesperson Mr Brett Chulu.
With an estimated three million Zimbabweans in the Diaspora, Zimfon will have an opportunity to tap into this potential market, which will grant it access into a niche market that has been largely neglected and is not deeply understood by international players.
Mr Chulu added that the package is a first in the market and continues to significantly broaden the Zimfon value proposition to its customers.
The package unlocks unlimited calling on Zimbabwe’s global network promoting uncapped connections for a minimal prepaid month to month fee.
Zimfon, a subsidiary of Telematic Global Communications (USA), says the decision to introduce the service was motivated by the desire to pioneer a way of keeping family and loved ones in the Diaspora and locally connected for less.
“Zimfon was motivated by a need to address market pain points for ordinary Zimbabweans. The cost for calling Zimbabwe from other countries is among the highest in the region with average termination rates ranging from US30 cents to US49 cents per minute. Zimfon has solved this problem through its offer of the lowest rates for calls. We want to encourage constant and unlimited communication network,” said Zimfon.
Zimfon’s telephone service is an internet- based service that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
To subscribe to the service, Zimbabweans in the Diaspora need to buy a Zimfon network-activated mobile phone and a direct and dedicated number is then assigned to them which supports calling from the Diaspora to and from Zimbabwe.
These devices will be bought from Zimfon’s online store. Relatives and friends in Zimbabwe will be notified to pick up devices from the nearest shop in Zimbabwe.
The devices will be distributed through Africom retail shops as well as Zimpost outlets throughout the country. That gives Zimfon’s distribution print of over 100 outlets.
Zimfon is a start-up company launched in May this year at the Zimexpo in Dallas, United States.
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