News / Regional
Econet restricts SmartBiz to routers only
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Econet has announced that its SmartBiz data lines will stop functioning in mobile phones from September 10, 2025, and will only be accessible through Wi-Fi routers. The change was communicated to subscribers via SMS on Friday, urging them to purchase routers from Econet shops to remain connected.
The sudden policy shift has unsettled many customers who had become reliant on the service's flexibility. SmartBiz was launched in June 2024 as an unlimited internet solution at a time when Zimbabweans were seeking affordable and reliable connectivity. The entry-level package, priced at US$45 (R840) per month, offered speeds of up to 5Mbps with a fair usage cap of 1TB. When it was introduced, Econet sold indoor routers for US$50 (R933) and outdoor routers for a promotional US$200 (R3,732), though the retail price of the latter was listed at US$400 (R7,464), placing it in the same price range as Starlink equipment.
For many subscribers, the ability to use the SmartBiz SIM card in mobile phones and share data through hotspots was a key attraction. A small business owner in Harare described the new requirement as disruptive, saying it would force customers to incur extra expenses they had not budgeted for.
Uncertainty now surrounds whether SmartBiz lines will remain compatible with Mi-Fi devices. These pocket-sized gadgets, which are portable, affordable, and powered by rechargeable batteries, have been particularly useful during frequent power cuts. A college student in Avondale noted that Mi-Fi had been the most practical option for many young people, warning that if Econet extends the restrictions to these devices, subscribers may be left with no choice but to seek alternatives.
The lack of clarity has left many users confused, with some delaying router purchases while waiting for official guidance. Others fear that the new rules signal the phasing out of cheaper, portable solutions altogether.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of rising frustration among customers. In July 2025, Econet was accused of quietly slashing the SmartBiz fair usage cap from 1TB to 200GB, an 80 percent reduction that customers only discovered after experiencing slower speeds. Meanwhile, competition in the market continues to intensify. Starlink, which officially entered Zimbabwe in 2024, offers hardware starting at US$200 and packages from US$30 (R560), placing Econet under pressure to justify its pricing and policies.
With the router-only rule set to take effect in September, subscribers are now faced with difficult choices—either to invest in Econet's routers, turn to Mi-Fi if still allowed, or migrate to competing providers offering more flexible options.
The sudden policy shift has unsettled many customers who had become reliant on the service's flexibility. SmartBiz was launched in June 2024 as an unlimited internet solution at a time when Zimbabweans were seeking affordable and reliable connectivity. The entry-level package, priced at US$45 (R840) per month, offered speeds of up to 5Mbps with a fair usage cap of 1TB. When it was introduced, Econet sold indoor routers for US$50 (R933) and outdoor routers for a promotional US$200 (R3,732), though the retail price of the latter was listed at US$400 (R7,464), placing it in the same price range as Starlink equipment.
For many subscribers, the ability to use the SmartBiz SIM card in mobile phones and share data through hotspots was a key attraction. A small business owner in Harare described the new requirement as disruptive, saying it would force customers to incur extra expenses they had not budgeted for.
The lack of clarity has left many users confused, with some delaying router purchases while waiting for official guidance. Others fear that the new rules signal the phasing out of cheaper, portable solutions altogether.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of rising frustration among customers. In July 2025, Econet was accused of quietly slashing the SmartBiz fair usage cap from 1TB to 200GB, an 80 percent reduction that customers only discovered after experiencing slower speeds. Meanwhile, competition in the market continues to intensify. Starlink, which officially entered Zimbabwe in 2024, offers hardware starting at US$200 and packages from US$30 (R560), placing Econet under pressure to justify its pricing and policies.
With the router-only rule set to take effect in September, subscribers are now faced with difficult choices—either to invest in Econet's routers, turn to Mi-Fi if still allowed, or migrate to competing providers offering more flexible options.
Source - online
