Strive Masiyiwa-owned Econet Wireless’ Smartbiz high-speed broadband package is proving a resounding success in Zimbabwe, particularly in the face of competition from Starlink.
Launched last year amidst a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Smartbiz has quickly established itself as a reliable and affordable internet solution for businesses and institutions of all sizes. Its success is largely attributed to its competitive pricing, unmatched local support, and consistent reliability – qualities often lacking in its international competitor.
Designed to cater to a wide range of users – from corporates and SMEs to government institutions, NGOs, schools, colleges, universities, and churches – Smartbiz is receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. Clients consistently praise its transformative impact on their operations.
George Mutika, a logistics manager at Care International in Harare, highlights the service’s dependability and the crucial role of local support: “Our work relies on stable, high-speed internet, and Smartbiz has been remarkably dependable. It’s a solution that truly delivers without buffering or downtime. We considered satellite-based options, but the high costs and limited local support ruled them out. With Econet Smartbiz, we have confidence in the quality and the service, plus the peace of mind that comes from local support when we need it most.”
For example, Smartbiz setup costs range from US$60 to US$200, with monthly subscriptions starting as low as $45, allowing simultaneous connections for 30 to 60 users. This contrasts sharply with Starlink’s significantly higher setup costs that range from US$223 to over $500 at times and monthly fees of $30 and $50.
In the education sector, Smartbiz is making a tangible difference. Sacred Heart Junior School in Mashonaland Central reports an immediate positive impact on students’ access to online learning resources.
Headmaster Kudakwashe Matanda explains: “Econet Smartbiz has brought digital learning within our reach, something we only dreamt of before. With fast, stable internet and responsive local support, our students are finally able to explore the world online. We considered Starlink, but its high prices and lack of immediate support made it impractical. We settled for Smartbiz as the partner we needed at our school.”
The stark contrast between Smartbiz and Starlink is further highlighted by Starlink’s current situation in Zimbabwe. Currently, users in Harare, Norton, Chitungwiza, Ruwa, Marondera, and other areas within a 100-kilometre radius of Harare, as well as Bulawayo, are unable to sign up for Starlink due to the service being “fully subscribed” in these areas. This demonstrates the significant demand for reliable, high-speed internet in Zimbabwe’s urban centres, where businesses increasingly rely on internet connectivity for their operations. Econet Smartbiz thus emerges as the most viable alternative for those seeking a dependable connection.
Tariro Mujuru, an agribusiness owner in the Midlands, exemplifies the transformative effect of Smartbiz on daily operations: “SmartBiz gives us the reliable, high-speed internet we need to stay connected with customers and suppliers. We’re now managing orders online, tracking inventory and holding virtual meetings seamlessly. For my business, Starlink was just too expensive. SmartBiz offers the quality we need at a price that works for us.”
The advantages of Econet Smartbiz are not lost on industry professionals. A senior professional at a leading financial publication stated: “SmartBiz represents the kind of solution we need for a truly connected Zimbabwe. It’s local, reliable, and responsive to the needs of real users. Starlink may have the allure of advanced satellite technology, but the quality, costs and lack of local support create barriers that SmartBiz has effectively eliminated.”
An editor at a local tech website echoed this sentiment, praising Econet’s understanding of local challenges: “Econet’s SmartBiz addresses Zimbabwe’s digital needs and comes at a fraction of the cost of Starlink. This isn’t just about connectivity; it’s about accessibility. When a solution aligns with local realities and budgets, that’s when true digital transformation happens.”
In conclusion, Econet Smartbiz is not merely competing with Starlink; it is setting a new standard for affordable and reliable high-speed internet access in Zimbabwe. Its success underscores the crucial need for locally-focused solutions that address the specific needs and economic realities of the Zimbabwean market, demonstrating a clear path towards achieving true digital transformation within the country.
