Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has introduced a new 079 mobile number range as its existing ranges near exhaustion, reflecting sustained growth in demand after years of investment in its network and services.
Econet said new SIM cards with the 079 number range are already available at its shops and authorised channel partners around the country.
“We are growing – and we want our customers to grow with us. The introduction of the new number range reflects that growth as well as our commitment to ensuring that more Zimbabweans from more places around the country can connect, communicate and participate in the digital economy,” Econet said in a statement.
The company has for years operated within the 077 and 078 numbering ranges, which have now been exhausted as its subscriber base has grown.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ)’s most recent sector performance report put Econet’s active subscriber base at close to 13 million customers in the first quarter, while market estimates put its connected customer base at about 16 million.
The additional numbering capacity comes as Econet invests heavily to keep up with rising demand for mobile data and other services.
The company has committed more than US$200 million to strengthening its network infrastructure, including expanding 4G and 5G capacity. The investment builds on years of spending to expand network capacity and coverage as mobile usage has shifted increasingly towards data.
The growth in demand is also being driven by Econet’s wider range of services, including mobile connectivity, digital financial services, business solutions and entertainment.
“By making additional numbers available, we are allowing more people to participate in a digitally connected future that leaves no one behind,” Econet said.
Customers can select their own numbers from the new 079 range, subject to availability.
