By Wallace Mawire
The Director-General of the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ),Dr Gift Machengete has called for stakeholders in the sector to facilitate for adequate investment in ICT infrastructure.
Dr Machengete made the remarks at a recent stakeholders engagement indaba held in Harare,Zimbabwe on 4 April,2024 on the theme:Enhancing Price Transparency and Quality of Service for telecommunication services in Zimbabwe.
He said that the ICT sector plays a fundamental role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and improving the quality of life for people around the globe.
‘’However, these advancements come at a cost. From the deployment and maintenance of infrastructure to the development of cutting-edge technologies and services, the ICT industry requires substantial capital investment to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of society,” Dr Machengete said.
He added that without sufficient revenue generated from tariffs, ICT operators may struggle to fund essential infrastructure upgrades, expand network coverage to underserved areas, or invest in research and development initiatives.
“While consumers rightfully seek affordability and accessibility, it is essential to recognize that maintaining an ICT infrastructure of high quality and reliability requires adequate investment and sustainable revenue streams,’’he said.
Dr Machengete said that a cellphone is now more a less a DNA marker for humanity from t adolescence onwards.He added that that is why issues in the telecommunications sector have become so contentious and important to address, hence the vital engagement by the authority.
The indaba was attended by representatives from telecom companies, regulatory bodies, consumer advocacy groups, technology innovators, policymakers, academia, the media and the general public.
“You will all agree with me that Telecommunications is the lifeblood of the modern world. It is the infrastructure upon which our economies, societies and daily lives depend. From enabling seamless communication and connectivity to driving innovation and economic growth, the importance of a robust and reliable telecommunications network cannot be overstated and in that same breath, the importance of this meeting cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
The indaba was convened to discuss a myriad of challenges and concerns that have haunted the telecommunications recently in the country,according to Dr Machengete.
It was also meant to set the record straight in terms of certain misconceptions, half-truths and falsehoods that have been peddled about the sector as they focus on getting onto the same page towards the progressive goal of developing the sector and the nation.
It also deep dived into the issues of data costs that have been trending on social media lately in the country.
Social media was recently turned into a circus with arguments on weather or not tariffs in Zimbabwe were in-fact the cheapest in the region as was presented in Parliament by the regulatory authority.
Dr Machengete said that there was confusion between headline and promotional tariffs.
He said that this led to comparisons between promotions better known as bundles and headline tariffs which are the maximum allowable tariffs.
‘It is important that these issues are clarified because as the regulator we now find ourselves at a critical juncture where we must address the pressing issue of low and unsustainable tariffs, which are, however, perceived to be high. As the regulator we are faced with the imperative need to consider tariff adjustments to protect the sustainability of our sector from collapse. A collapsed ICT sector will spell doom for the general public and for national aspirations,’’he said.
According to Dr Machengete,while the need to increase tariffs may seem counterintuitive in a world where affordability is paramount, it is crucial to strike a delicate balance between ensuring access to essential ICT services and safeguarding the long-term viability of the sector.
He said that any tariff adjustments must be approached thoughtfully, taking into account the needs and realities of both consumers and industry stakeholders.
This indaba facilitated constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, including ICT operators, consumers, policymakers and industry experts, and to explore sustainable solutions that will ensure the elusive balance between service affordability and operator viability is achieved.
Dr Machengete added that solving the problem, in his view, begins with transparency around obtaining tariff structures, which is something they have demanded from operators.
Apart from lack of transparency around tariff structures, another serious offense highlighted is the failure by operators to inform consumers about service downtime.
According to Potraz,time and time again, consumers are left in the dark, unaware of scheduled maintenance or unexpected outages that disrupt their ability to stay connected.
Potraz says that this lack of transparency breeds mistrust and undermines the relationship between consumers and service providers.
The authority says that the alarming decline in the quality of service provided by operators is an issue of concern.
They add that for too long, consumers have been grappling with the frustrating reality of Dropped Calls and Sluggish Internet Speeds and this has to be addressed urgently.
Another r burning issue on which the indaba sought to shed light is the persistent problem of Disappearing Data.
Dr Machengete said that it is time for operators to be held accountable for their shortcomings.
‘’We cannot afford to tolerate substandard service any longer. As the regulator, it is our duty to advocate for the rights of consumers and ensure that their voices are heard,’’ he said.
He urged stakeholders to demand greater transparency, responsiveness and accountability from operators.
