Telcos face sanctions over ‘vanishing’ airtime

HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE plans to sanction mobile network operators over the inexplicable depletion of subscribers’ airtime.

Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Supa Mandiwanzira, himself a victim, confirmed the plans following public outcry.

Many clients from the country’s three mobile networks, comprising Econet Wireless, NetOne and Telecel Zimbabwe, have complained bitterly of the depletion of their air time upon topping up.

Other subscribers alleged their data was depleting without explanation.

“The disappearing of airtime is a huge concern, not just for me, but for millions of Zimbabweans,” said Mandiwanzira.

He said a survey was underway to assess the problem as well as the justification of the tariffs operators charged.

These are said to be high.

“Some of it (tariffs) is unjustifiably and we are looking into it,” said Mandiwanzira.

Zimbabwe, with a population of 14, 15 million as at 2013, has 12,9 million subscribers.

– CAJ News