Whatsapp’s Utilisation in Zimbabwe Increases

When Smartphones were first introduced people complained on how costly the internet was and for them to fully enjoy their Smartphones they needed Wifi or have enough data in their phone. There were a lot of applications to enjoy within the Application’s stores, till whatsapp messenger came into play.

WhatsApp Messenger is a freeware and cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by Facebook. The application allows the sending of text messages and voice calls, as well as video calls, images and other media, documents, and user location.

In February 2014, the biggest MNO (Mobile Network Operator) in Zimbabwe with 7,998,657 subscribers, Econet, introduced its first bundles of whatsapp to their subscribers. The pricing for the bundles were as follows, 30 cents for a day, 95 cents for a week and $3 for a month.

According to the latest Potraz Q2-2018 report, “Mobile internet and data usage increased by 16.9% to record 6,104TB from 5,220TB recorded in the previous quarter.”

“WhatsApp bundles constituted 34.4% of total mobile internet and data utilisation”

The Messenger has been the most convenient way of communication in voice and video and Zimbabweans found as the cheapest way to do business. The app has been adding new features to it including video calls, voice calls, status sharing, location sharing, and video messaging.

Additionally, promotional WhatsApp access bundles, marketed by the local mobile operators (Econet, Netone, Telecel), are helping drive up usage of the platforms, according to the regulator.
Revenues of the local MNO on data is also increasing steadily.