Econet subscribers hit 10 million

Zimbabwe's largest mobile telecommunication firm by assets and investment, Econet, has grown its subscriber base to over 10 million, latest data show.

Statistics released by the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) on Tuesday revealed that Econet subscriber base increased by 7,4 percent from 9,2 million in the first quarter of this year to 10 million in the second quarter.

On the other hand, NetOne grew its subscribers from 5,4 million to 5,68 million — translating to a 4,5 percent increase in the period under review.

The country's third largest mobile telecommunication company Telecel also saw its subscriber base surging by 5,9 percent to 4,5 million in the second quarter from 4,2 million in the first quarter.

"The total number of mobile subscriptions in the country increased by 6,2 percent to reach 20 257 180 from 18 992 082 recorded in the previous quarter," the regulator said.

Potraz added that the number of active lines in the quarter under review was 13 010 873 — representing a 0,9 percent increase from 12 900 173 recorded in the previous quarter.

"The mobile penetration rate also increased from 96,5 percent to 97 percent," Potraz said.

However, despite the increase in subscribers, total mobile revenues declined by 3,7 percent to record $161,5 million from $167,7 million recorded in the previous quarter.

"This decline in revenues was fuelled by the decline in voice traffic," Potraz said.