ZIMBABWE’S first mobile operator, NetOne, has just blown out 30 candles, and what a wild ride it’s been. From the days when owning a mobile phone made you feel like royalty, to today’s lightning-fast 5G connections, the company has been at the beating heart of the nation’s digital makeover.
Back in 1996, mobile communication was a fresh-faced novelty. Fast-forward three decades, and phones are as essential as a mealie meal (maize meal) pot. NetOne has grown from a small player into a telecommunications giant, shoving digital inclusion into every corner of the country.
“Mobile phones, once viewed as luxury items, have become essential tools for daily life,” a company statement read. “NetOne has been at the centre of this shift, helping bridge communication gaps and bringing digital services closer to communities.”
Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani has steered the ship beyond just calls and texts. The firm now aligns its strategy with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda, pouring cash into 4G LTE and 5G rollouts – even in remote rural areas.
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From Voice Calls To National Growth
The operator says its network upgrades are sparking new opportunities in farming, shops, clinics, schools, and banking. One farmer in Bulilima can now check market prices before sunrise; a nurse in Chipinge accesses patient records in real time.
“NetOne has played a significant role in making communication more accessible,” the company added.
What’s Next For The Digital Giant?
As it enters decade four, NetOne promises to shift gears.
“While its first 30 years focused on connecting Zimbabweans, the next chapter will be centred on enabling citizens and businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world,” the firm said.
For a country hungry for progress, that’s a call worth answering. No editorialising here – just the facts, straight from the operator’s own mouth.
