Econet SmartBiz surpasses milestone of 100,000 subscribers in its user base
In the realm of digital connectivity, two significant players have emerged in Zimbabwe: SmartBiz, a mobile network operator's unlimited data package, and Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX.
SmartBiz: An Instant Hit
Launched in June 2024, SmartBiz was Zimbabwe's first unlimited data package by a mobile network operator. It was an instant hit, offering a $45 package with Fair Usage Policy (FUP) limits initially set at 1 Terabyte. However, recently, there has been a shift that has caused some frustration among users. The FUP limit for the $45 package has been reduced to 200GB without prior notification.
Despite this, SmartBiz continues to grow rapidly, boasting approximately 100,000 customers. The sudden reduction in FUP limit has not slowed down its growth, indicating a strong demand for unlimited data packages in Zimbabwe.
Econet's Strategic Move
The introduction of SmartBiz was a strategic move by Econet, as speculation grew that the government would grant Starlink an operating license. This move seemed to have paid off, as SmartBiz has managed to maintain a substantial customer base.
Starlink: A Slow Start
Starlink, on the other hand, started operating in Zimbabwe in September. However, its growth has been somewhat limited. The service has been sold out in Harare, the capital city, which has hindered its potential to catch up to SmartBiz's subscriber numbers. As of now, Starlink has approximately 27,000 subscribers in Zimbabwe.
Comparing Growth
There is no available data from the search results specifically comparing the growth of Econet's SmartBiz unlimited mobile internet service to Starlink's satellite internet service in Zimbabwe since June 2024. The search results do not mention user numbers, market penetration, or growth metrics for either service after that date. Therefore, a direct comparison of the growth of these two internet services in Zimbabwe since June 2024 cannot be made based on the provided information.
In conclusion, while both SmartBiz and Starlink have made their mark in Zimbabwe's internet market, the growth trajectory of each service remains unclear without further data. The competitive landscape between these two services will be an interesting development to watch in the coming months.
The growth of SmartBiz, a mobile network operator's unlimited data package, has been substantial despite the reduced FUP limit, reaching approximately 100,000 customers. On the other hand, technology advancements like Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, have shown a slower start with roughly 27,000 subscribers in Zimbabwe. The competition between these two services offers a fascinating future dynamic in Zimbabwe's digital connectivity market.
