THE mobile telecommunications sector recorded modest growth in subscriptions and strong gains in data and voice usage during the third quarter, translating into higher revenues for operators despite increased operating costs.
According to the latest Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) Sector Performance Report for the Third Quarter of 2025, active mobile subscriptions increased by 2,13 percent to 16,43 million from 16,09 million in the previous quarter, indicating continued demand for mobile services.
Econet Wireless maintained its growth momentum, increasing its subscriber base by 2,39 percent to 12,06 million from 11,78 million.
This performance saw Econet strengthen its market position, with its market share rising by 0,19 percentage points during the period.
State-owned NetOne also posted subscriber growth, with active lines rising by 1,90 percent to 4,06 million from 3,99 million in the prior quarter.
In contrast, Telecel Zimbabwe continued to face headwinds, shedding 4,54 percent of its subscribers, which declined to 305 042 from 319 548.
Growth was also recorded in internet and data services, albeit at a slower pace as total active internet and data subscriptions grew by 1,27 percent to 12,99 million from 12,83 million.
However, data consumption surged significantly, reflecting increasing reliance on digital services.
Collectively, mobile network operators recorded a 10,72 percent quarter-on-quarter jump in internet and data traffic, which rose to 144,09 petabytes from 130,14 petabytes.
Industry leader Econet’s data traffic grew by 10,83 percent to 118,58 petabytes, while NetOne recorded a 10,20 percent increase to 25,29 petabytes.
Telecel’s data traffic also expanded by just over 10 percent during the period.
Voice traffic recorded a strong rebound, with total mobile voice traffic rising by 10,3 percent from 4,21 billion minutes to 4,65 billion minutes in the third quarter of 2025.
NetOne gained 0,92 percentage points in voice traffic market share, while Econet ceded a similar share, Telecel’s share remained marginal and stable at 0.02 percent.
“Zimbabwe continues to experience significant data traffic increases in line with a global Internet traffic growth trajectory. This has been attributed to increased use of data-intensive applications supported by the rollout of high-speed network infrastructure, as indicated by a 26,59 percent increase in 5G base station deployments, among other factors in the quarter under review,” said POTRAZ director-general Dr Gift Machengete in a statement accompanying the report.
Financially, Mobile Network Operators’ revenues increased by 8,35 percent to ZiG 7,27 billion from ZiG 6,71 billion in the previous quarter.
However, profitability pressures persisted as aggregate operating costs surged by 19,71 percent to ZiG 4,16 billion from ZiG 3,48 billion, largely reflecting rising network, energy and operational expenses.
While subscriber and usage growth points to sustained demand, the sharp escalation in costs remains a key challenge for operators, underscoring the need for efficiency gains and continued investment in network optimisation to protect margins in a highly competitive market.-herald
