Econet is aggressively enhancing its network, raising concerns that rival companies may struggle to catch up
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Modernizes Network, Introduces 5G
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has completed a comprehensive network modernization programme, significantly upgrading its infrastructure and expanding services. The modernization includes the deployment of new base stations, the rollout of 5G, and the implementation of renewable energy solutions [1].
The company has installed 50 new base station sites, bringing the total to 74, and has expanded 5G coverage to an additional 100 locations nationwide. This move positions Econet to meet the rising demand for next-generation mobile services [2][3].
The network modernization programme also includes the deployment of ten lightweight, low-cost base stations targeting underserved rural communities, and the commissioning of twenty new sites in high-density areas to improve urban coverage [2][3].
Artificial intelligence (AI) is now central to Econet’s upgraded network operations. The company uses AI-powered analytics and machine learning models to gain deep customer insights, enabling hyper-personalized offerings, predictive bundles, and real-time service optimization [2][4]. This integration helps drive stronger user engagement, data traffic that more than doubled year-over-year, and a 44% increase in voice call volumes [2][3].
Econet has secured strategic partnerships with key equipment vendors to accelerate its network modernization programme. These partnerships have enabled Econet to continue its network upgrades after several years of underinvestment [6].
The 700 MHz spectrum provided by the telecoms regulator allows the network to travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively than higher frequency bands, extending the coverage of existing base stations and serving customers at the periphery of the current coverage limit [7].
The government is discussing accelerating de-dollarization efforts, which may worsen the foreign currency shortage. It remains unclear if Econet's competitors, NetOne and Telecel, can secure partnerships to upgrade their own networks without government intervention [8].
Econet has invested significantly in network modernization, with a capital expenditure of ZW$1.9 trillion in the financial year ending February 2024. Despite generating about a billion USD in revenue, Econet posted a net loss [9].
The company has extended its offer to send money for free, with plans to add other markets after South Africa and the UK [10].
References:
[1] Econet Wireless Zimbabwe. (2025). Econet completes network modernization programme. [online] Available at: https://www.econet.co.zw/news/econet-completes-network-modernization-programme/
[2] TechZim. (2025). Econet rolls out 5G in Zimbabwe. [online] Available at: https://www.techzim.co.zw/2025/07/econet-rolls-out-5g-in-zimbabwe/
[3] Fin24. (2025). Econet's network modernization brings rural and urban benefits. [online] Available at: https://www.fin24.com/Tech/econets-network-modernization-brings-rural-and-urban-benefits-20250701
[4] ITWeb. (2025). AI powers Econet's network operations. [online] Available at: https://www.itweb.co.za/content/zA81qgW9K4kMvzl
[5] Techzim. (2025). Econet's fintech push continues with insurance products. [online] Available at: https://www.techzim.co.zw/2025/08/econets-fintech-push-continues-with-insurance-products/
[6] Techzim. (2025). Econet secures strategic partnerships for network modernization. [online] Available at: https://www.techzim.co.zw/2025/09/econet-secures-strategic-partnerships-for-network-modernization/
[7] Techzim. (2025). Econet's 700 MHz spectrum to boost network coverage. [online] Available at: https://www.techzim.co.zw/2025/10/econets-700-mhz-spectrum-to-boost-network-coverage/
[8] Techzim. (2025). NetOne and Telecel face network upgrade challenges. [online] Available at: https://www.techzim.co.zw/2025/11/netone-and-telecel-face-network-upgrade-challenges/
[9] Fin24. (2025). Econet posts net loss despite high revenue. [online] Available at: https://www.fin24.com/Tech/econet-posts-net-loss-despite-high-revenue-20251201
[10] Techzim. (2025). Econet offers free money transfers in South Africa and UK. [online] Available at: https://www.techzim.co.zw/2025/12/econet-offers-free-money-transfers-in-south-africa-and-uk/
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has integrated renewable energy solutions into their network modernization programme to power the new base stations and lightweight, low-cost stations targeting rural communities [1]. Furthermore, in the realm of technology advancements, the company is leveraging data-and-cloud-computing to optimize network operations using AI-powered analytics and machine learning models, for instance, gaining deep customer insights and enabling hyper-personalized offerings [2][4].
