Recent tariff adjustments within approved thresholds – POTRAZ

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) says the recent hike in tariff charges by mobile network operators is within the approved thresholds gazetted by government in September last year.

The clarification by POTRAZ comes after an outcry from business and ordinary citizens who are finding the new tariffs exorbitant, at a time the country is pushing for a digital economy that relies solely on the internet.

The Director General of Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, Dr Gift Machengete says mobile Network Operators who recently adjusted their tariffs are still within gazetted thresholds.

“As the regulator of the industry I want to state that the recent adjustments of tariffs are still within the set framework that was gazetted in September last year,” he said.

Furthermore, Dr Gift Machengete indicated that the regulator is working on an inclusive framework that reasonably accommodates the all-inclusive digital vision of the economy and that of the service providers.

“We are also cognizant of the people’s incomes as well as the necessity of accessing affordable internet hence we are working to bring balance for the good of the country.”

Digitisation of the economy is a priority In the implementation of National Development Strategy One hence economic analysts are pushing for the stream-lining of data tariffs to meet income levels of ordinary Zimbabweans.