STATE-OWNED mobile telecommunications company NetOne recorded an 18,5 percent increase in data traffic, rising from 25,29 billion megabytes in the third quarter of 2025 to 29,97 billion megabytes in the fourth quarter.
The performance ranks among the strongest growth recorded by major mobile network operators during the period. This growth translated into a 1,14 percent increase in NetOne’s mobile internet and data traffic market share, strengthening the operator’s position in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector.
The results reflect shifting consumer behaviour, with subscribers increasingly adopting affordable broadband services, digital platforms and mobile connectivity solutions offered by the operator.
NetOne also expanded its active subscriber base from 4 062 894 to 4 101 492 during the quarter, indicating sustained customer confidence in the brand and its evolving service offering.
According to NetOne, the gains were driven by a deliberate infrastructure expansion strategy focused on improving connectivity across both urban and rural communities.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) acknowledged that NetOne continued to make notable progress, particularly in 3G and LTE deployments, to extend network coverage.
During the quarter, the operator added 89 LTE base stations and increased its 5G sites from 21 to 26.
These investments have positioned NetOne as one of the country’s key enablers of digital inclusion and broadband accessibility.
The operator now accounts for 46,14 percent of Zimbabwe’s rural base stations, making it one of the largest contributors to rural network infrastructure development in the country. This rural footprint is helping to bridge the digital divide by connecting previously underserved communities to education, healthcare information, financial services and digital commerce opportunities.
From rural schools accessing online learning tools to farmers utilising mobile platforms for business and communication, NetOne’s infrastructure investments are generating measurable socio-economic impact. Under the leadership of group chief executive officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, the company has accelerated its transformation into a modern digital services provider anchored on innovation, accountability and customer satisfaction.
Commenting on the latest sector performance results, Engineer Mushanawani said the company remained committed to building an inclusive digital future for all Zimbabweans.
“These results affirm our commitment to connecting communities, empowering businesses and accelerating Zimbabwe’s digital transformation through resilient and accessible network infrastructure,” said Engineer Mushanawani.
POTRAZ’s fourth quarter 2025 Postal and Telecommunications Sector Performance Report confirmed the operator’s growing influence in Zimbabwe’s digital transformation drive.
The report reflects a company strengthening its market position through infrastructure expansion and data growth while redefining the telecommunications sector through customer-focused innovation.
NetOne’s transformation is also evident in products and services designed around customer convenience and accessibility.
These include OneMoney services, affordable broadband packages and innovative data bundles tailored for students, entrepreneurs and rural communities.
As Zimbabwe advances towards a data-driven economy powered by broadband, 5G and digital services, NetOne’s fourth quarter 2025 performance demonstrates that the operator is not merely adapting to change.
In recognition of his transformative leadership and contribution to Zimbabwe’s telecommunications sector, NetOne Group CEO Engineer Raphael Mushanawani was recently inducted into the Business Leaders Hall of Fame 2026, further underlining the growing national significance of NetOne’s trajectory.-herald
