Econet Zimbabwe - Cell Phones Zimbabwe

Econet Wireless (Private) Limited is the cellular network operator and main subsidiary of Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed Econet Wireless Holdings Limited (EWH), a company with interests in telecommunications and other sectors of the Zimbabwean economy.

Econet is the largest telecommunications company in Zimbabwe, with an overall market share of over 61% total mobile sector, and a cellular subscriber base of to 647 652 as of 31st August 2007, the latest published figures available. Econet is currently upgrading its network capacity from the current 800 000 to over 1.2 million by the end of 2008 and also expects to have launched 3-G services for the first time in Zimbabwe by the end of 2007.

The company's network was launched on 10th July 1998 and the holding company listed on 17th September 1998, and is now one of the largest listed companies on the ZSE in terms of market capitalization.

To remain at the top, the company relentlessly pursues innovative strategies and constantly grows its knowledge base with uncompromising passion for excellence. Its main products include pre- and post-paid cellular services that are uniquely branded for easy convenience and instant recognition.

In line with its Christian-based vision and mission, Econet has a broad strategy for social and community development called "Econet in the Community" through which the company supports diverse range of charitable causes, which include children orphaned by AIDS/HIV, religious and church organizations, as well as an annual scholarship program that provides financial assistance to the brightest students selected from schools in the country's 10 provinces under the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship Fund (JNSF).

Other companies under EWH are Yourfone, the largest public pay phone operator in Zimbabwe , with a presence in all major cities as well as in the larger commercial agricultural centres. In addition to owning its own pay phone shops, Econet has franchised the concept under which the pay phones are owned by small business people who have assumed a significant role in the economy.

Also in the group is Ecoweb, the largest independent internet service provider in Zimbabwe, serving both corporate and individual dial-up customers, as well as operating internet cafes across the country and at Econet retail outlets; Transaction Processing Systems, a leading provider of financial transaction switching, point-of-sale and value-added support services that is exploiting the convergence of banking, information technology and telecommunications; and Econet Capital, the vehicle through which the group invests in various sectors of the economy, and also has significant shareholding in listed companies, Kingdom Financial Holdings Limited and First Mutual Limited.