Econet launches branded handsets

THE country’s largest telecommunications company, Econet Wireless, has unveiled its range of branded mobile phone handsets. This move will enable the Econet Company to create for itself a good reputation and image that will lure the clients. So far Econet is the best in Zimbabwe as compared to the other telecommunication companies in Zimbabwe.

In a statement, the company’s chief operating officer, Mr Elvis Gwanzura, said the phones are being sold in a value starter-pack that includes a SIM card and airtime. This strategy is a good market research tact that will see Econet Company increasing the number of clients. Offering such good service is what all it takes to gain customer confidence to support the company. He said two models of the phones would initially be sold.

In The Chronicle, Mr Gwanzura added that plans were afoot by the mobile operator to also launch more models in the near future. "Considering that we paid well over 50 percent in duties and taxes to bring these phones into the country, the price at which we are selling these starter-packs is extraordinary," he said. The mobile network operator also appealed to regulatory authorities to reduce fees on telecommunications equipment.

This, Econet said, would result in even lower prices of handsets and other accessories to the public. The sale of subsidised handsets, Mr Gwanzura said, represented the mobile network operator's commitment to improving accessibility to mobile technology in the country.He said: “By providing affordable handsets, Econet was promoting subscriber uptake. The company does not make money off the sale of the handsets. Our business is in airtime. What we are doing here is lowering the barriers of entry for the public. Our aim has always been to take the lead in developing the mobile market.”

Meanwhile, the mobile operator said it had begun investing in increasing network capacity to add more than 1,5 million additional customers. This will make Econet to become one of the biggest companies of its kind in Zimbabwe in terms of customer size. Their services so far are good although at time their charges were way wide. Their 0913 lines can enable clients to link with friends and relative overseas.

Recently, the mobile operator said delays in rolling out new equipment owing to the problem of getting civil contractors to put up towers quickly constrained the company's efforts to release one million lines.However, Econet has since secured contractors from South Africa and China who are already working on putting the towers.

Econet Company has the best Public Relations and marketing department which is competent enough to sell their goods and services to their clients. The service offered by Econet is of high standards and is worth to be emulated.