Telecel Zimbabwe has upped its fight for mobile subscribers by targeting subscribers on rival operator, Econet Wireless’ network, telling them in a direct text message to “move over” to its network and enjoy discounted call tariffs.

In a message titled “Good News,” Telecel Zimbabwe texted Econet subscribers urging them to move over to its network.

The two mobile operators have been embroiled in a battle for subscribers this year, a battle that has sparked off mobile price wars as operators come up with promotions and discounts to win over subscribers.

Econet is the biggest player in Zimbabwe’s telecoms market with over 8 million subscribers according to figures from its financial report for the year ended February 28.

Telecel Zimbabwe buoyed by the renewal of its operator’s licence by the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) – has 2.4 million subscribers.

Meanwhile, state owned NetOne has about 2 million network users.

“Move over to Telecel and enjoy 100% FREE bonus across all networks in the Telecel Mega Juice Reloaded Promotion. Buy your Telecel line today,” reads the Telecel Zimbabwe message.

As part of its efforts to boost its subscriber base in Zimbabwe, Telecel this week extended “until the end of October (2013)” one of its promotions which “allows prepaid subscribers to make calls for double the value of the airtime they purchase, regardless of who they are calling”.

However, the promotion is aimed for local calls only; a strategy industry experts say is aimed at winning over subscribers from rival network operators. The promotion was initially scheduled to end last month.

“The Mega Bonus Reloaded promotion has proved popular with subscribers, which is why we made the decision to extend it beyond the initial cut-off date,” said Telecel Zimbabwe marketing director Octivius Kahiya.