POTRAZ’s 2025 4th Quarter Report Shows NetOne’s Strong Growth And Rural Connectivity Leadership
State-owned mobile network operator NetOne ended 2025 on a high note after the latest sector performance report by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) highlighted major growth in data usage, subscriber numbers, and rural connectivity.
According to the fourth quarter telecommunications report, the mobile operator experienced significant growth in internet and data traffic between the third and fourth quarters of 2025. The report noted that NetOne’s data traffic climbed by 18.50 percent, rising from 25.29 billion megabytes to 29.97 billion megabytes during the period.
The increase also boosted the company’s share of the mobile internet market as more Zimbabweans embraced broadband services and digital communication platforms.
Netone’s Data Usage And Subscriber Base Rise
The report showed that NetOne’s active subscriber base increased from 4,062,894 to 4,101,492 users in the final quarter of the year. POTRAZ attributed part of the growth to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and wider network coverage across the country.
POTRAZ stated that the operator “continued to make strides particularly in 3G and LTE deployments, to expand its network coverage.”
During the quarter, NetOne reportedly added 89 LTE base stations and increased its 5G sites from 21 to 26. The investments are expected to improve internet accessibility in both urban and remote communities.
Netone’s Rural Connectivity Expansion
One of the standout findings in the report was NetOne’s strong presence in rural Zimbabwe. POTRAZ revealed that the company now controls 46.14 per cent of the country’s rural base stations, making it one of the largest contributors to rural telecommunications infrastructure development.
The expanded network is helping communities gain access to online education, healthcare information, financial services and digital commerce opportunities.
Commenting on the results, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Raphael Mushanawani said the company remained focused on inclusive digital growth.
“These results affirm our commitment to connecting communities, empowering businesses and accelerating Zimbabwe’s digital transformation through resilient and accessible network infrastructure,” said Mushanawani.
Community Projects And Workforce Diversity
Beyond telecommunications services, NetOne has also been involved in community support programmes, including borehole drilling projects in drought-affected areas and partnerships with schools and healthcare institutions.
The report further highlighted diversity within the organisation, revealing that women make up 436 of the company’s 1,045 employees.
Mushanawani recently received further recognition after being inducted into the Business Leaders Hall of Fame 2026 for his contribution to Zimbabwe’s telecommunications industry.
