Potraz vows to protect subscribers

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has assured Zimbabweans that it will continue to protect them from service providers who infringe on consumer rights.

Addressing thousands of people who attended the consumer awareness roadshow in Centenary yesterday, Potraz head of consumer affairs and publicity George Manyaya said one of the mandates of the authority was consumer protection.

"You have a right to quality telecommunication services and if you are not happy you should come to us," he said.

"Government has been promoting ease of doing business and we will ensure we complement this by providing connectivity and quality service so that we catalyse this initiative.

"Zimbabweans deserve easy access and affordable ICT solutions and as the regulator we are here for you."

Manyaya said no bundles should disappear on people's phones and services must be available at all times.

"We will continue cautioning and penalising operators if they go against consumer rights as we have you at heart," he said.

Last month, the Gift Machengete-led Potraz ordered NetOne to refund subscribers following challenges on its billing system, which affected subscribers on the OneFusion package.

The roadshow was the second to be held this year following one in Mutoko in January.

As part of its initiative of connecting the underserviced and marginalised communities, Potraz also commissioned the Centenary community information centre, handing over 10 laptops, a server and printer to the community.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Potraz acting director Universal Services Fund, Kennedy Dewero, said farmers can use the centre to research on their crops.