Econet Wireless Rolls Out Wi-Fi On Commuter Mini-Buses

In another first from Econet Wireless, the mobile company today launched a new product, Wifi in Kombis, which is set to revolutionize urban public transport and bring real convenience to hundreds of thousands for commuters that use Kombis – the number one mode of public transport.

Speaking at the launch ceremony held today at the company’s head office in Msasa, Harare, Chief Operating Officer Fayaz King said he was excited to unveil the new product, which will complement the company’s popular Data Double Up offering.

“I am excited and happy for our customers, most of whom use public transport on a daily basis. Now they don’t have to wait until they get off the Kombi to check their mails, browse their favourite sites or to stream video content,” said Mr King.

He added that what was even more exciting was the fact that customers could now use the 100 percent free Wifi data they get for any data bundle purchase on the Kombis anytime and anywhere, on the go.

“For every purchase of a data bundle, customers get extra 100% FREE Wifi data that they can use when riding in a Kombi,” said Mr King.
Referring to the company’s culture of innovation, Mr King said Wifi in Kombis was a logical progression from the company’s Data Double Up campaign, in which millions of the mobile operator’s customers enjoy 100 percent free Wifi data for every data bundle they purchase on the Econet network.

“We will soon be rolling out the service to all major cities and towns across the country, taking advantage of our Smart Data Network”, said Mr King, whose company has built the widest data network, and boasts the best quality data experience in the country.

In a clear sign that the listed company means business, Econet’s mobile money unit EcoCash unveiled its ‘Chaka-Chaya’ promotion through which its customers stand to win over 100.000 prices for using its multiple transacting touch-points.

Customer stand the chance to win prices a range of prices – including up to $100.000 EcoSure premium cover, 10.000 ZESA tokens and 6 housing stands among many other prices – by simply buying airtime, paying for insurance or electricity, buying groceries, paying bills and merchants or transferring money to loved ones or business partners using EcoCash.

The Chaka-Chaya promotion also comes days after Econet – the telecoms market leader and largest mobile operator in the country by customer base, revenue share of market, and voice and data coverage – partnered with CABS, the building society and financial institution with branches across the country, to deploy a unique point of sale integrated service which will allow EcoCash customers ease of transacting by simply entering their mobile number at retailers’ integrated or stand-alone point of sale devices across the country to buy goods and services.

The partnership with CABS, one of the biggest and oldest financial institutions in the country, will further widen Econet’s distribution channels, affording more convenience to its customers as well as to CABS and the retailers’ customers in an environment experiencing cash shortages and where the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has been advocating for use of plastic money and cashless settlement solutions, such as EcoCash, to address the cash shortages.

The company, which has to its name the largest number of innovative products and services on the market – including among others Econet ConnectedHome and ConnectedCar – is looking to cement is position as the leader in innovation and real value for money for its customers.