ZIMBABWE’S second largest mobile phone operator by subscription, Telecel Zimbabwe, has lodged a complaint with the Postal and Telecommunications Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) over alleged unfair business practices by rival Econet Wireless, NewsDay has learnt.
Report by Staff Reporter
Sources close to the development said Telecel yesterday wrote to Potraz, raising concerns over poor connectivity between the two networks following a recently launched Telecel promotion which resulted in tariffs being slashed by nearly 50% across all networks.
Although Potraz could not confirm the development at the time of going to print, Telecel confirmed on its twitter account that its network was having connectivity problems with an unnamed mobile phone operator after it was inundated by complaints from subscribers.
“We’re currently having interconnection issues with a network. We’re advised they’re looking into it,” said Telecel in one of its tweets. “@joeblackzwPlz note a local network is facing challenges completing Telecel calls on their network.They’ve been notified & are working on it.”
“Hi @honmas24, our sincere apologies. @econetzimbabwe have been advised of the issue & we are assured they are looking into it.”
Potraz and Econet had not responded to questions emailed to them at the time of going to print.
The developments come at a time when competition in the telecoms sector has intensified as mobile phone penetration rose to 97% resulting in mobile phone operators introducing several promotions in a bid to widen their revenue base.
