Liquid Home, Zimbabwe’s leading fixed internet provider, has revolutionised the local internet scene by introducing gigabit internet, a long-awaited development for power users. This announcement, made on Black Friday, positions Liquid Home as a serious contender in the fast-changing internet landscape. Customers on the Infinity 169 plan, which costs USD 169 per month, will now enjoy lightning-fast speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps). Additionally, those on the Family Entertainment package, priced at USD 210 (ZWL 5,549), will see a boost from 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps.

This bold move comes amidst growing competition in Zimbabwe’s internet market, sparked by the arrival of Starlink and subsequent shifts by local providers.

Black Friday in Zimbabwe: A Different Kind of Deal

Zimbabwe’s Black Fridays are notoriously underwhelming. While global retailers roll out enticing deals, local shoppers often face price hikes disguised as discounts. In our recent analysis, we observed significant price increases across various sectors, with household essentials like cooking oil, mayonnaise, and washing powder now costing significantly more.

For example:

A 2-litre bottle of cooking oil now costs USD 3.50, up from USD 3.20.
CB Mayonnaise has risen from USD 2.50 to USD 2.80.
A 2kg packet of MAQ washing powder now costs up to USD 4, compared to its usual USD 3.50.

This year, however, Liquid Home’s announcement stands out as a genuine Black Friday deal, offering real value to Zimbabweans amid the usual holiday price inflation.

The Starlink Effect: Shaping Zimbabwe’s Internet Market

Zimbabwe’s internet landscape has undergone a seismic shift in recent months, primarily due to the arrival of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service. Starlink’s competitive pricing and stable speeds disrupted the market, forcing local internet service providers to innovate.

Liquid Home, among others, responded with significant changes. Their Infinity packages, introduced shortly before Starlink’s Zimbabwe launch, represented a dramatic reduction in prices. Econet followed suit with SmartBiz packages and subsequent price cuts. Even TelOne and Utande adjusted their strategies, boosting speeds and lowering prices to retain customers (source).

Starlink’s impact has been particularly pronounced among high-value clients. Many businesses, accustomed to paying steep prices for fibre or VSAT, switched to Starlink for its speed and reliability. While initial complaints about slow speeds in Harare surfaced, these issues have largely been resolved, with users now reporting speeds exceeding 100 Mbps during peak hours. However, Starlink’s technology caps speeds below 1 Gbps, giving Liquid Home a distinct competitive edge with its gigabit offering.

A Strategic Move to Neuter Starlink’s Threat

Liquid Home’s latest announcement is more than a Black Friday gimmick; it is a strategic response to Starlink’s growing popularity. With Starlink’s business packages reportedly reaching capacity in Harare (source), local providers face increasing pressure to innovate.

Liquid Home’s new gigabit package addresses a key limitation of Starlink. By offering speeds ten times faster than Starlink’s typical service, Liquid Home positions itself as the superior option for power users. This is a clear attempt to retain customers who might be tempted to switch to satellite internet.

The Bigger Picture: A Competitive Internet Market

Zimbabwe’s internet providers have traditionally been slow to respond to customer demands for faster speeds and lower prices. For years, ISPs claimed that such requests were economically unfeasible. The arrival of Starlink shattered these claims, proving that affordable, high-speed internet is possible. This has spurred a wave of innovation among local players.

For example:

Econet’s SmartBiz packages were designed to compete directly with Starlink, offering tailored packages for small businesses.
Liquid Home simplified its package-switching process, making it easier for customers to adapt their plans.
Utande boosted speeds and reduced prices to stay competitive (source).

These changes mark a new era of competition in Zimbabwe’s internet market, with customers benefiting from improved services and more affordable options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gigabit internet, and why is it important? Gigabit internet refers to internet speeds of 1,000 Mbps or 1 Gbps. It allows for faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved performance for multiple users on a single connection.

How does Liquid Home’s gigabit internet compare to Starlink? Liquid Home’s new package offers speeds of up to 1 Gbps, significantly faster than Starlink’s typical speeds, which average around 100 Mbps in Zimbabwe. However, Starlink’s key advantage is its availability in remote areas where fibre connections are unavailable.

Is the Infinity 169 package good value for money? At USD 169 per month, the Infinity 169 package is a premium service designed for heavy internet users. With speeds of up to 1 Gbps, it offers excellent value for power users and businesses requiring high-speed, reliable internet.

How do I switch to Liquid Home’s new packages? Liquid Home has made switching between packages seamless. Customers can learn more about the process here.

Liquid Home’s introduction of gigabit internet is a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s internet market. This bold move not only sets a new standard for internet speeds but also highlights the growing competition spurred by Starlink’s arrival. As local providers continue to innovate, Zimbabwean customers stand to benefit from faster, more affordable internet services. Whether you are a casual user or a business, the internet landscape in Zimbabwe is transforming, with Liquid Home leading the charge.