ZIMBABWE’s leading telecommunications firm, Econet Wireless, has reimbursed customers affected by its recent tariff hike, which it later reversed.
Farai Mutsaka, Associated Press Updated 12:47 am, Tuesday, October 11, 2016
In this Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 photo, Gilbert Mundicha, a street vendor, performs while selling mobile phone airtime vouchers to motorists in a wealthy multi-racial suburbs in Harare, Zimbabwe. “My antics are meant to cultivate a personal relationship with customers,” said Mundicha, who dances, makes military salutes and greets nearly every passing motorist while mimicking what he described as a “British accent.” Massive joblessness in this once-prosperous southern African country has forced many to flood the streets, where they hawk anything from medicines to car parts. A good gimmick can help a vendor stand out from the crowd. Photo: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, AP / Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Photo: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, AP
Econet announced its position via messages to its subscribers.
The firm last week introduced new tariffs for mobile data, but the development was met with anger from consumers.
“Dear valued customer: Following the tariff reversal, we have refunded you 43 megabytes (MB), from your purchase of data bundles done between January 11 and 12. We regret any inconvenience caused. Thank you,” one message read.
Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services minister Supa Mandiwanzira says he had to intervene so the charges could be reversed after an outpouring of anger from subscribers.
Mandiwanzira said Econet’s new tariffs were unparalleled, saying it was only “morally correct” to refund its subscribers.
“Given the astronomical rates that have been charged over the last two days, it may be necessary and morally correct to get the concerned mobile networks to refund their subscribers,” he said last week.
Econet have denied claims Mandiwanzira ordered them to reverse the tariffs, saying this was false and misleading.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Online Content Creators hailed the government for intervening in the matter and ordering Econet to reverse its tariff increases.-newsday
