Econet Wireless says that it empathises with its customers who are complaining of excessively high data tariffs. The giant mobile network operator said in a statement:
1. The cost of fuel has gone up by 500% and the local currency has lost over 900% in value to date. At the same time, our voice tariffs have only increased by 33%.
2. 1 300 of our base stations run on generators for over 18 hours a day and consume 2 million Litres of fuel every month. We only receive 25% of this fuel due to the current shortages.
3. We require over US$60 Million to upgrade equipment and convert our sites to solar.
As we face these adversities together, we ask that you stand with us as you have over 20 years. Connected we are stronger.