Zimbabwe mobile operators say they are engaging the country's telecom industry regulator to review new mobile data tariffs following an outcry from subscribers.

Under the new 'floor' data fees, approved by the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), 250MB costs approximately US$5, while 50 US cents will buy in the region of 5MB.

Some mobile operators have already scrapped the old pricing structure on their social media bundles.

On Thursday, two of the three mobile operators in Zimbabwe said they were engaging the government to review the new data fees.

"We are engaging the regulator on the matter. Econet operates in a regulated industry and as the industry leader we are obliged to comply with the directives which are issued to us by the regulator," said CEO Douglas Mboweni.

NetOne acting CEO Brian Mutandiro was also quoted by local media as saying the state owned telco was holding discussions with Potraz.

Mboweni admitted that the new tariffs had "caused pain" to subscribers who have taken to social media to complain and vent their frustrations. He also emphasised that the directive on the new mobile data tariffs had been issued to all operators.

Potraz Director General Gift Machengete said this week that the Zimbabwean telecoms industry regulator was "currently consulting stakeholders in the sector and conducting research on the impact of OTTs and how to reduce the negative impact of the (platforms) on sector viability".

President Robert Mugabe's government has previously said it will move to regulate social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook.

Similar moves in South Africa have been rebuffed.