Econet Wireless, the biggest telecoms group in Zimbabwe with about 9 million subscribers on its network, is upgrading its network in the country this week as platform usage on the network grows.

Zimbabwe's mobile penetration rate has risen over the past few years, with the latest performance report for the sector, from the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz), saying last week that the penetration rate has now climbed up to 93%.

There are three mobile companies in Zimbabwe – Econet Wireless, Telecel Zimbabwe and NetOne. The mobile operators are complemented by a sole fixed phone operator that is run by the state.

"The upgrades will ultimately result in much improved performance on data, voice and SMS for our subscribers," said Econet Wireless Chief Executive Officer, Douglas Mboweni.

Network upgrades will be undertaken in Harare's central business district and in the provinces of Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Mashonaland Central. Officials at the company said the upgrade exercise will see service disrupted for three days this week.

Potraz said in its quarterly report that nearly all of the Zimbabwean mobile telcos had seen subscriber numbers grow.

Econet's active subscriber numbers rose nearly 1% to 6.8 million, those of NetOne rose by 12.4% 3.8 million while Telecel Zimbabwe's subscriber numbers declined from 1.94 million to 1.91 million.

However, despite the active subscriber numbers rising, revenue generation by Zimbabwean telecom companies has declined. Revenues for the third quarter period declined by 2.9% to $183.2 million.