HARARE – NetOne has officially removed its peak and off-peak data bundle system, a long-contested pricing model that had increasingly frustrated customers across Zimbabwe.
In a public notice, the state-owned mobile network operator confirmed that all data bundles will now be accessed without time-based restrictions, a move widely seen as a direct response to sustained user complaints.
The statement seen by ZiGoats.com reads:
“Please note that we have removed the Peak and Off-Peak time classes on all NetOne data bundles… Dial *379# NOW to purchase a bundle of your choice and start enjoying seamless connectivity.”
A Policy That Missed the User Reality
For years, NetOne’s off-peak data model was marketed as a cost-saving option. In practice, however, many subscribers say it became a burden rather than a benefit.
Off-peak access was restricted to late-night hours, initially from 11PM to 7AM, and more recently tightened to 10PM to 5AM. For everyday users, especially students, workers, and small business owners, those hours proved impractical.
The result? Data bundles that expired unused.
“It was data I paid for but could not use,” is a common sentiment echoed across social media platforms and user forums.
From an economics standpoint, this represents classic underutilisation of paid digital goods, where pricing structures fail to align with consumer behaviour, leading to reduced perceived value and customer dissatisfaction.
Consumer Pressure Forces a Strategic Shift
The removal of peak and off-peak distinctions signals a significant pivot in NetOne’s commercial strategy.
In Zimbabwe’s highly competitive telecoms sector, where rivals like Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and Telecel Zimbabwe are constantly adjusting data offerings, user experience is no longer optional, it is a key battleground.
NetOne’s move reflects a broader industry trend: simplification of pricing models to improve transparency, usability, and customer retention.
From a business perspective, the decision may also help:
- Increase real data consumption
- Reduce customer churn
- Improve brand perception
- Drive uptake of higher-value bundles
Digital Economy Implications
This shift goes beyond telecom pricing, it speaks to the evolving nature of Zimbabwe’s digital economy.
Reliable, flexible internet access is now central to:
- Remote work and freelancing
- E-learning and research
- Social commerce and mobile banking
- Content creation and streaming
By removing time barriers, NetOne is effectively enabling 24/7 participation in the digital ecosystem, a critical factor for productivity and economic inclusion.
ICT Policy and Market Signals
From an ICT policy lens, the decision aligns with growing calls for consumer-centric digital services in Zimbabwe. Regulators and stakeholders have increasingly emphasised affordability, accessibility, and fairness in telecom offerings.
Although NetOne has not explicitly framed the move as regulatory compliance, it sends a strong signal: user feedback is shaping market behaviour.
What Customers Should Expect
Customers can now purchase and use their data bundles at any time of day, without worrying about restrictive usage windows. The process remains unchanged, dialing *379#, but the experience is expected to be significantly improved.
However, analysts say the real test will be:
- Whether pricing remains competitive
- If network quality can handle increased daytime usage
- And how NetOne innovates beyond this change
The Bottom Line
NetOne’s decision to scrap peak and off-peak data is more than a technical adjustment, it is a correction of a business model that no longer matched user realities.
In today’s always-on digital world, time-restricted internet is fast becoming obsolete.
And for thousands of Zimbabweans who watched their data expire while they slept, this change is not just welcome, it’s overdue.
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