Kevin Nyango
The increase in the number of people with internet accessing mobile phone is on the rise in most African countries. The increase in the mobile phone acquisition means there MUST be an increase in the distribution of mobile data by the respective data companies. But do you know well the price of your mobile data?
Zimbabwe is ranked as one of the countries in Africa with the most expensive mobile data. A survey released by Research ICT Africa report, Zimbabwe is listed as the 4th country with the most expensive data as compared to 2016 when it was ranked 3rd. The country’s change in position is as a result of Guinea Bissau which joined the list and is occupying position two.
According to Research ICT Africa, in Guinea Bissau, the price of 1 Gigabyte is US$ 58.29 while south Sudan leads as the state with the most expensive at $128.01 for one Gigabyte than compared to 2016 which it was priced at $90.83. The third country on the list is Swaziland with 1GB data going at $35.26 an increase from $30.33, and Zimbabwe takes position 4 with $30 for 1GB.
But according to those on the ground, Zimbabwe has got three mobile data providers all of whom are selling at different prices. MNOs, NetOne has the cheapest data at $20 for 1Gigabyte, Econet comes second with 850MB at $20, and Telecel gives 800MB at $20. If the prices on the ground are what to go by then, it means Zimbabwe will drop up to 6th on the chart.
The prices vary from one state to another due to many factors. One of the elements is availability and usage of other means of accessing the internet. In Zimbabwe, mobile data is the most common way of accessing the internet which might be different in other countries where they might depend more on fixed data. Promotions by different data selling companies are also a factor to be considered. In case of a reduction in price due to promotion then it means people will maximize promotion rather than the regular price and package.
The countries with cheapest mobile data are Tunisia, guinea and Tanzania at $2.04, $2.20 and $2.27 per 1GB respectively.
