BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MEDIA FOR AFRICA

Zimbabwe's NetOne introduces data roaming

Zimbabwe's NetOne introduces data roaming
By Tawanda Karombo, Journalist
30 Aug 2012

Zimbabwe state-owned mobile network operator NetOne has said that it plans to introduce an international data roaming service.

The announcement to introduce data roaming comes in the wake of a deal signed with Belgacom, a Belgium based company that specialises in offering roaming facilities for mobile companies. NetOne has about 1.5 million subscribers on its network and is funding the new roaming services from a $45 million loan facility received from Huawei Technologies.

“NetOne is rolling out such (international roaming) services to enable our delegates to enjoy data roaming services,” said the telco’s managing director, Reward Kangai.

He said his company plans to introduce data roaming ahead of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia next year.

Clementine Fournier, the Belgacom regional president for Africa said the international roaming services his company was facilitating for NetOne will enable travelers to Zimbabwe to access data services when roaming on NetOne’s network.

“This means that when you are roaming on NetOne where roaming partnerships are available, one will be able to access data services.”

Fournier added that his company was also “expanding (NetOne’s) voice portfolio” for roaming users.

Kangai said NetOne has embarked on an “accelerated drive” to roll out 3G services throughout the country. He said Victoria Falls, a prime tourism resort town, was already covered to enable international visitors to enjoy data services.

NetOne is already offering mobile broadband internet in most areas of the country while its rivals are also forging ahead with similar plans. Analysts say this is expected to boost internet accessibility through mobile devices.

The announcement also comes at a time when NetOne is embroiled in a bitter dispute over call termination fees with rival operator Econet Wireless.

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