NetOne today launched a new home WiFi product called One-FI. The service, targeted at home users and small offices allows NetOne subscribers to buy a WiFi router that has a NetOne sim card. That way they can access NetOne 3G and 4G over WiFi.
The company is selling the router, picture above, for the service. The router, a Huawei product, apparently takes up to 32 users. The router itself costs $130. NetOne says they have terms for paying this but our immediate reaction was that this is on the steep side for a router, especially since they are competing with ISPs some of them offering free installation.
NetOne also has data packages created for this One-Fi product:
So, essentially, you buy a $130 router and then buy one of those packages above. If you’re wondering how you will use those voice minutes if your SIM is the router, the router has a port to connect an ordinary home phone handset.
NetOne is clearly hoping to tap into the home internet market currently dominated by fixed internet providers in Zimbabwe, mainly TelOne, ZOL and Dandemutande.
They are the first mobile operator in Zimbabwe to be deliberate about such a product.
Steep router price aside, whether this is a great product or not, we’re guessing the market will decide.
About NetOne
NetOne Zimbabwe was the first mobile phone operator in Zimbabwe, the company was launched in 1996. The company is a privately owned company in which the Zimbabwe government has a stake and was formed as a subsidiary of the Posts and Telecommunications. Corporation (PTC). Service was launched in Harare during the World Solar Summit in September 1996 Read More.
Source: http://www.techzim.co.zw/2017/05/netone-launches-one-fi-wifi-product-homes-smes/