Zimbabweans slam new voice, data floor prices

Consumers say the new voice and data floor prices are unjustifiably high and against the current drive by government to reduce the cost of doing business in the country.

This comes as mobile operators have begun effecting the new voice and data floor prices announced by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ).

A floor price is a minimum effective tariff charge and the new floor prices announced by POTRAZ are 12 cents per minute for voice and 2 cents per megabyte for data.

Consumers, however, told the ZBC News that the development has seen them paying more for data services and criticised the operators for failing to match high tariffs with quality service.

Others criticised POTRAZ, saying instead of setting the floor price, it must concentrate on regulating the maximum price.

Information Society Initiatives Trust Director, Mr Reuben Gwatidzo said there was need for intensive consultations before the introduction of the tariffs, adding that the high charges do not auger well with Zimbabwe's drive to improve the ease of doing business.

In a statement, POTRAZ Director General, Dr Gift Machengete has however defended the new tariffs, arguing that it remains the authority's desire to keep the price of data as low as possible, while ensuring sustainability of the sector and protection of consumers.

According to the authority, the floor prices are aimed at maintaining a delicate balance between service affordability by consumers and operator viability.