NetOne Introduces Reverse Calling Service to Keep Zimbabweans Connected Without Airtime: So what is it and how does it really work

The coming of Starlink has undoubtedly been a blessing and a curse depending on which side you are on between telecoms operator and general users. It has force local Inter Service Providers (ISPs) like Econet, Netone and Telone to re-calibrate and change to adapt to the new competition in the form of Starlink which is great news for general users. Lately Netone has also introduce a new service known as Reverse Calling (Pay for Me), a feature that allows subscribers to make voice calls even when they have no airtime, with the call cost transferred to the recipient once they accept the call. It’s no secret every major player is trying to innovate to keep hold of its customers so let’s dive deep and understand what this technology really is.

Previously when you had no airtime, you would simply borrow airtime by dialing *373# on Netone or dialing *179# on Econet but this method would select who was eligible for these credit offers and for how much depending on variety of factors like spending habits, and if you had outstanding balance you wouldn’t be able to borrow for obvious reasons. This new service is aimed at addressing a common challenge in Zimbabwe, where many people frequently find themselves unable to make important or urgent calls due to zero airtime balances. According to NetOne, the initiative is part of its broader commitment to improving access to communication in a difficult economic environment.

Netone in a statement reiterated that missed calls and unanswered “please call me” messages have become an everyday reality for many Zimbabweans, highlighting that “Life does not wait for airtime. An emergency does not wait for payday. A job opportunity does not wait until you top up.”

So What Is Reverse Calling?

Reverse calling is a telecommunications service that allows the person being called to pay for the cost of the call instead of the caller. In simple terms, it reverses the usual billing arrangement where the caller pays for airtime with the person who is called now required to pay for the airtime.

How does NetOne’s Reverse Calling service works step by step?

~ A subscriber with no airtime initiates a call. 

~ The recipient receives a notification informing them that the caller has requested a reverse call. 

~ The recipient can accept or decline the call.

 ~ If accepted, the recipient is charged for the duration of the call.

 ~ If declined, no charges are applied to either party. 

This ensures transparency and control, as the recipient is fully aware that they will be paying before the call connects.

How the Service Works in Practice

When a NetOne customer attempts to place a call without airtime, the system triggers a reverse calling request instead of blocking the call. The recipient then hears or sees a prompt explaining that the caller has no airtime and is requesting the recipient to pay for the call. 

Only once the recipient consents does the call go through. If the recipient chooses not to accept, the call ends immediately without cost. This approach eliminates confusion and ensures that no one is charged unexpectedly.

Why Reverse Calling Matters in Zimbabwe

NetOne says the service is a practical response to real-life challenges faced by its customers. In a country where disposable income is limited and airtime purchases are often delayed, the inability to make calls can have serious consequences.

The Reverse Calling service is expected to benefit: Students who need to contact parents or guardians, Job seekers following up on employment opportunities, Informal traders coordinating deliveries or payments, Farmers negotiating produce sales, Families dealing with emergencies or urgent matters. 

By allowing conversations to happen when they matter most, the service reduces reliance on missed calls and brief text alerts that often fail to communicate urgency or important details

Promoting Connectivity and Social Inclusion

NetOne says the introduction of Reverse Calling aligns with its mandate to promote connectivity, inclusion, and practical innovation, rather than novelty. “We are not introducing Reverse Calling to be fancy. We are doing so because communication keeps families together, businesses running and lives moving forward,” the company said The operator emphasised that access to communication should not be determined solely by airtime balance, especially in situations involving emergencies, livelihoods, or family responsibilities. Whether it's a marketing gimmick or not, the fact remains that this might be a good and valuable service to for the ordinary folk.

NetOne’s Reverse Calling service represents a significant step towards making communication more accessible and reliable for everyone in Zimbabwe. By shifting the cost of a call only with the recipient’s consent the service ensures that lack of airtime does not become a barrier to essential conversations and helps incase of emergencies which could save lives. In an economy where every dollar counts, Reverse Calling offers a practical, user-controlled solution that keeps people connected when it matters most.

If you have a tip, a story, or something you want us to cover get in touch with us by clicking here. Sign up to our newsletter so you won’t miss a post and stay in the loop and updated also we will be launching a free basic cybersecurity short course for beginners to teach you how to protect yourself online. Just subscribe for free to our newsletter and create an account on Perusee to be eligible.

Note: You can also advertise on Perusee, just contact us, call or app +263 78 613 9635

Click here to Follow our WhatsApp channel

Keep comments respectful and in line with the article, also create an account and login to chat with members in our forum, get help on issues you need help with from community members.