Local mobile operator Econet has adjusted its mobile broadband lineup and introduced new data bundles. Tucked under the Daily Bundle menu are two new packages – a 1 GB bundle priced at $2 and 2 GB of data set at $3.
The two packages are similar to the Dream Bundles, which were sold at $1 for 1 GB and $2 for 3GB. This was probably Econet’s most generous broadband package to date but it was only offered as part of a promotion that ran for a four-month stretch last year.
The new bundles are part of the day bundle set and they have a 24 hour validity period which is similar to the 50 MB and 250 MB packages that were already on that menu. Since they are part of the *143# promotional lineup, it also means that these bundles can also be discontinued if they prove to have a limited value proposition.
The 1 GB and 2 GB data allowance is still rather generous though it wouldn’t be surprising if subscribers who were accustomed to the 3-day allowance on the previous 2 GB dream bundle are a bit miffed.
The fact that Econet and other operators like Telecel are tinkering with their broadband packages is some indication of how far much cheaper broadband can be sold for which always begs the question why the cost of mobile broadband isn’t being lowered to accommodate more users and the changing patterns of internet access.
If the operators know that 10 MB at $1 is hardly sufficient to handle the data-intensive services and applications that subscribers are now very familiar with (just think of social media and multimedia use), why not just adjust their pricing permanently and move away from these ephemeral promos?
- Technology Zimbabwe