The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S mobile internet and data traffic declined by 15 percent to 22 052 terabytes during the first three months of this year, latest data from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) shows.
According to the regulator’s first-quarter performance report, the decline in internet and data traffic was experienced across all three mobile networks – NetOne, Econet and Telecel – due to high data prices.
The decline was also attributed to the relaxation in Covid-19 restrictions, which has seen the resumption of face-to-face interactions.
However, the number of active internet and data subscriptions increased by 1,1 percent to reach 9,6 million as at March 31, 2022.
Mobile voice traffic declined by 2,3 percent to 1, 7 billion minutes during the period.
Total mobile network revenue stood at $28,8 billion, a 10 percent increase from $26,2 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021, with voice contribution to revenue declining to 42 percent, while that of mobile data grew to 39,3 percent from 38,1 percent.
Operating costs grew by 22,7 percent to $17 billion from $3,1 billion recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Bandwidth costs, staff costs and depreciation continued to be the main cost drivers for mobile operators.
