What is Tagtel? A Close Look At Zimbabwe’s “New” Internet Provider an alternative to Econet and Netone?

The inevitable arrival of Starlink brought about drastic changes to the Zimbabwe telecommunications industry and the Zimbabwean internet landscape as a whole, much to the delight of consumers because more competition means more options and less prices. While the introduction of Starlink garnered significant attention, another development has been quietly unfolding: the emergence of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Zimbabwe has been licensing more private entities from energy to telecommunications, Among these, Tagtel Communications has positioned itself as a popular contender by providing more affordable alternatives. So what should consumers know?

Recently the government changed it’s policies and has been handing out licenses like flyers in a bid to increase competition, stabilize prices and control the market and it’s safe to say it has been working like a charm so far. This is what was needed in various sectors and the technology sector seems to be benefiting more from this move.

Understanding MVNOs

An MVNO, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator, is a company that provides mobile services without owning the underlying network infrastructure. Instead, MVNOs lease capacity from established Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like Econet, NetOne, or Telecel. This model allows MVNOs to offer competitive services without the substantial capital investment required to build and maintain a network.

Tagtel’s History 

Tagtel’s history traces back to Pecus Enterprises, which secured an Internet Access Provider (IAP) licence from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in the early 2010s. Despite initial delays, the company rebranded as Tagtel Communications and began laying the groundwork for its services. By 2023, Tagtel had officially launched, aiming to provide affordable and reliable internet solutions to Zimbabweans.

Current Offerings

Tagtel’s flagship product is its unlimited data plan, priced at US$10 per month. This plan, currently in a promotional phase, offers users access to data services without a predefined cap. However, it is essential to note that “unlimited” in this context comes with certain caveats.

User experiences vary, while we have seen those selling Tagtel lines on social media promise users speeds of up to 30Mbps this is not backed by facts on the ground. We have never seen anyone getting these speeds in reality with the majority of users gettting average speeds closer to 1 Mbps. These discrepancies can be attributed to network congestion, signal strength, and the ongoing trial nature of Tagtel’s services. The promotional pricing aims to attract a user base for testing and feedback, with the understanding that prices may adjust upon full commercial rollout.

Comparative Landscape: Dolphin TelecomsAnother MVNO making strides in Zimbabwe is Dolphin Telecoms. Unlike Tagtel, Dolphin has secured a full MVNO licence from POTRAZ, allowing for more extensive service offerings. Their unlimited data plan is priced at US$55 per month and includes a free router, higher average speeds (up to 30 Mbps), and no geographical restrictions. This positions Dolphin as a premium alternative for users seeking more consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between an MVNO and an MNO?

A: An MNO owns and operates its network infrastructure, while an MVNO leases capacity from MNOs to offer services.

Q: Is Tagtel’s US$10 plan truly unlimited? 

A: While marketed as unlimited, users may experience reduced speeds after consuming a certain amount of data, especially during peak times.

Q: Can I use Tagtel’s SIM card anywhere in Zimbabwe? 

A: Tagtel’s SIM cards are not geo-locked, allowing usage across various regions, though network performance may vary based on location.

Q: How does Dolphin Telecoms compare to Tagtel? 

A: Dolphin offers higher-priced plans with potentially better speeds and additional perks like a free router, catering to users with higher data demands.

While Tagtel might entice you with their very low prices of US$10 per month speeds generally hover around 1 Mbps which is technically fair given the very low price compared to the competition. At these speeds you will be restricted to less than 100GB per month but it surely will be enough for most users who are not heavy users. Unless you don’t care about the experience you are going to get, Tagtel is not for you.

If you just want to chat on WhatsApp and wait ages for Facebook to load as long as you get a bargain then by all means you can buy Tagtel and use it for the duration of this trialing phase just don’t expect to get your mind blown like those shameless lying adverts on social media will have you believe. 90% of the time you will be getting speeds lower than 1 Mbps.

As Tagtel gains market share and begin to offer higher speeds and experience we await to see what the internet landscape will look like.

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