Econet to reduce telecommunication tariffs

“We have listened, and we are responding,” said Econet in a news update to subscribers.

It said it had launched a US$1 SMS value recharge card that would give 10 text messages “at a hugely reduced tariff”.

“Our promise is to develop even more services specifically designed to lessen the burden on our subscribers,” the network's update said.

The SMS value card gives five more text messages than one would get from the standard tariff.

The country's mobile networks - Econet, Netone and Telecel (Zimbabwe) - have faced public outrage over US dollar tariffs subscribers say are too high, but networks say these are in line with those in South Africa.

Tariffs were recently reduced to around 29 cents from 38 cents per minute local calls after a cut in VAT on airtime from 22% to 15%.