Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
MOBILE phone operators have been exposed for their hypocrisy as new details reveal that they are the ones who proposed the hiking of tariffs.

The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has set minimum floor prices of 2c per megabyte data and 12c on voice call from 9c, effective this week.

It emerged yesterday that at a meeting between Potraz and mobile operators, the companies asked for upward reviews even though they are now trying to distance themselves from the matter after a backlash from subscribers.

Potraz director-general Dr Gift Machengete on Tuesday told The chronicle that the telecoms regulator consulted operators on prices and they proposed tariff hikes that have been implemented.

“The operators had actually proposed floor prices ranging between $0.01 and $0.05 per megabyte. The floor price of $0.02 per megabyte was extrapolated using the 2014 Bottom-Up cost model results by factoring in the significant growth in data usage since 2013,” said Dr Machengete.

In a statement yesterday, Econet Wireless chief executive officer Mr Douglas Mboweni said they had been directed by Potraz to hike the tariffs which is contrary to what Dr Machengete said on Tuesday.

Mr Mboweni said the mobile operator understood the pain caused by the new floor prices to subscribers.

“However, we believe and trust that you are aware that Econet operates in a regulated industry and as the industry leader we are obliged to comply with the directives which are issued to us by the regulator from time to time and this directive is one such instance,” said Mr Mboweni.

“Having said this, we would like to advise you that we will continue engaging the regulator on the impact this has had on you our valued customers so that we can continue to provide you with highest quality services which will transform your lives.”

NetOne acting chief executive officer, Mr Brian Mutandiro on Wednesday told our Harare Bureau that his company was yet to implement the new charges as it was seeking a downward review of the new tariffs. He said his company was in consultation with Potraz on the issue.

Mobile operators were not forthcoming yesterday on allegations that they had in fact proposed the tariff increases at a meeting with Potraz.

Mr Mboweni was not reachable while Econet’s executive assistant to the group chief executive officer Mr Lovemore Nyatsine declined to comment on the matter. “We can’t comment on something that we don’t know its source. We will rather not comment,” said Mr Nyatsine.

Mr Brian Mutandiro referred questions to NetOne’s public relations officer Mr John Nyashanu whose cellphone rang unanswered.
Telecel was not reached for comment.

Meanwhile, Econet founder and executive chairman Mr Strive Masiyiwa has said he was against Potraz directive to set up minimum floor prices for mobile network operators.

“It is my understanding that it was a directive from the telecoms regulator. I have never supported this type of regulatory approach. It makes it difficult to introduce new services such as Mobile TV, when a “floor price” is set for data. Very unusual,” Mr Masiyiwa wrote on facebook.

The new floor prices triggered a backlash from subscribers who say the prices are exorbitant and therefore not affordable to most of them.

— @nqotshili

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