News / National
Zanu-PF tightens social media control amid internal dissent
20 Feb 2025 at 18:28hrs | Views
The Herald
Mobile operators fail to implement data roll-over
The Government has criticized mobile network operators for failing to implement data roll-over, a feature that allows consumers to carry over unused data balances beyond their expiration period.
Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Postal and Courier Services, Dingumuzi Phuti, described the practice as "robbery" and vowed to take corrective action against operators who fail to comply.
Phuti made the remarks during a recent question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, where legislators raised concerns about local mobile operators not allowing bulk data purchasers to extend their unused data beyond 30 days. Many countries allow a 30 to 60-day grace period for unused data, making Zimbabwe's policy a contentious issue among consumers.
"It is unethical for operators to behave as such," Phuti said. "POTRAZ (Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe) is expected to address these unfair practices. While I have not received any formal complaints on this matter, we have heard about these concerns in our engagements with consumer watchdogs and service providers."
Phuti assured lawmakers that the Government would investigate the issue and ensure that consumers receive fair treatment.
"Let me take note of it and address it with the regulator to ensure that it does not continue. It is robbery to unsuspecting consumers, and this Government will not allow it, especially in a critical sector like data and bandwidth services."
The issue of data roll-over comes amid broader concerns over mobile network coverage in rural areas. Subscribers in these regions often struggle with weak signals, resulting in the expiration of unused data bundles before they can be utilized. Critics argue that this has become a lucrative practice for mobile operators, who benefit financially from data that goes unused due to poor service.
Consumers and advocacy groups have called for stricter regulations and greater accountability from mobile operators to ensure fair service delivery across Zimbabwe.
Mobile operators fail to implement data roll-over
The Government has criticized mobile network operators for failing to implement data roll-over, a feature that allows consumers to carry over unused data balances beyond their expiration period.
Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Postal and Courier Services, Dingumuzi Phuti, described the practice as "robbery" and vowed to take corrective action against operators who fail to comply.
Phuti made the remarks during a recent question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, where legislators raised concerns about local mobile operators not allowing bulk data purchasers to extend their unused data beyond 30 days. Many countries allow a 30 to 60-day grace period for unused data, making Zimbabwe's policy a contentious issue among consumers.
"It is unethical for operators to behave as such," Phuti said. "POTRAZ (Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe) is expected to address these unfair practices. While I have not received any formal complaints on this matter, we have heard about these concerns in our engagements with consumer watchdogs and service providers."
Phuti assured lawmakers that the Government would investigate the issue and ensure that consumers receive fair treatment.
"Let me take note of it and address it with the regulator to ensure that it does not continue. It is robbery to unsuspecting consumers, and this Government will not allow it, especially in a critical sector like data and bandwidth services."
The issue of data roll-over comes amid broader concerns over mobile network coverage in rural areas. Subscribers in these regions often struggle with weak signals, resulting in the expiration of unused data bundles before they can be utilized. Critics argue that this has become a lucrative practice for mobile operators, who benefit financially from data that goes unused due to poor service.
Consumers and advocacy groups have called for stricter regulations and greater accountability from mobile operators to ensure fair service delivery across Zimbabwe.
Source - newsday
