Inaccurate claim made by RestOfWorld about internet pricing in Zimbabwe, stating it costs $633, when in reality the cost is far lower.
In a recent report, RestOfWorld estimated that Liquid's fixed internet package in Zimbabwe costs $633 USD. However, this figure has been called into question by several sources, including the author of this article.
The author expresses skepticism towards RestOfWorld's methodology, particularly when it comes to internet pricing analysis in countries with depreciating currencies, such as Zimbabwe. The difficulty in converting local currencies to USD may have contributed to the inaccurate representation of Zimbabwean figures.
If paid in Zimbabwe's national currency (ZiG), the same package from Liquid costs approximately ZiG5549, a significant difference from the reported $633 USD. Current competitive pricing in Zimbabwe's internet market indicates considerably lower prices, with Liquid’s 20 Mbps LTE connection priced at around $70 USD per month, and other fixed broadband packages from competitors like TelOne fibre available for $40 per month.
This suggests that the $633 figure from RestOfWorld may reflect a bundled cost, possibly annualized or inclusive of equipment fees, or historical tariffs before aggressive pricing competition. The author's analysis supports this explanation, citing TelOne's unlimited fibre at $40/month and LTE at $75/month, Econet’s SmartBiz fixed internet packages with high prices, but Liquid’s prices as more affordable alternatives, and Starlink’s presence and competitive pricing as factors that have pushed prices down across providers, including Liquid.
The author also points out that Starlink's prices in Zimbabwe are significantly lower than the prices of fixed internet providers, with the $30 unlimited Starlink package being cheaper than any fixed internet provider in Zimbabwe. The cheapest unlimited package offered by Liquid, the leading fixed internet provider in Zimbabwe, is priced at $99 USD.
In conclusion, RestOfWorld’s calculation of $633 USD for Liquid’s fixed internet is inconsistent with the reported current prices between $158 to $215 USD. The author suggests that the $633 figure is likely based on outdated or aggregated cost data, whereas newer offerings and competition have significantly reduced prices in Zimbabwe’s fixed internet market. The accuracy of internet pricing analysis, especially in countries with depreciating currencies, should be carefully considered.
The author argues that RestOfWorld's estimate of $633 USD for Liquid's fixed internet package in Zimbabwe may be misleading, considering that the same package costs approximately ZiG5549 in the local currency. In today's Zimbabwean market, more affordable internet packages, such as Liquid's 20 Mbps LTE connection for around $70 USD per month and TelOne fibre for $40 per month, are readily available.
Furthermore, the author speculates that the high $633 figure could be a bundled cost, possibly including equipment fees, annualized costs, or historical tariffs, rather than the current monthly price. The author also emphasizes that competitive pricing from providers like Starlink and TelOne, along with aggressive competition among providers, have resulted in lower internet prices in Zimbabwe.
