The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe has clarified the regulatory position on data transfer and rollover, following renewed public calls for their introduction.
Data rollover is a mobile feature that allows users to carry over unused data from one billing cycle to the next, preventing it from being wasted.
Data rollover and transfer in Zimbabwe face challenges due to high consumer costs, limited implementation by mobile network operators (MNOs), and technical issues, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
While the government and POTRAZ push for these services to ease financial burdens, issues like premature data expiration, lack of clear rollover terms, and suspension of services by providers persist.
Typically, the unused data should be added to the following month’s allowance, providing more flexibility for fluctuating usage patterns.
In a statement, the regulator said data rollover and transfer provisions were already in place, having been introduced through Regulatory Circular Number 2 of 2019 on Data Transfer and Rollover.
The framework was designed to address long-standing consumer concerns over the loss of unused data bundles at the end of billing periods.
Under the regulations, mobile network operators are required to put in place mechanisms that allow subscribers to carry forward unused data into subsequent billing cycles, thereby enhancing consumer protection and value for money.
POTRAZ said progress has been recorded in the implementation of the policy across the sector.
Among the measures already adopted by operators are the full rollover of certain data bundles, as well as data rollover in cases where consumers experience network failures.
In addition, subscribers are now able to transfer data to other users on the same network before the expiry of the bundle, while operators have also broadened their offerings by introducing data bundles of varying sizes and configurations to cater to different usage patterns and lifestyles.
The regulator urged consumers to familiarise themselves with the specific terms and conditions attached to different bundle offerings to benefit from the regulatory protections in place.
“Progress has been made on the implementation of the data rollover and transfer initiative.
“Members of the public are encouraged to take note of the existing regulatory measures aimed at enhancing consumer protection and to acquaint themselves with the conditions that apply to various data bundles,” POTRAZ said.
Going forward, POTRAZ said it will continue to review the implementation of data transfer and rollover regulations to ensure that consumers are not disadvantaged.
The authority also indicated that it is committed to ongoing consumer education and awareness campaigns to improve public understanding of telecommunications services and regulatory safeguards.
POTRAZ further called on subscribers to report any challenges or provide feedback, saying this would help strengthen oversight and improve the effectiveness of existing measures.
The statement was intended to set out the correct regulatory position on data rollover and transfer in Zimbabwe amid growing public debate on the issue.-herald
