In the wake of Starlink’s anticipated launch in Zimbabwe, local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are stepping up their game to maintain their market share. Econet recently dropped the SmartBiz bombshell on the market and TelOne their rival has not been sitting idly either. They are making waves with its Blaze LTE service, particularly in Bulawayo, where users are experiencing blazing fast speeds of up to 100 Mbps on their 4G service.

This development is part of a broader trend we’ve been witnessing in Zimbabwe’s broadband landscape. The past two months have truly given us a summer of broadband speeds, with more progress in the last 8 weeks than we’ve seen in years. TelOne has been at the forefront of this revolution, making exciting revelations at a breakneck pace.

Blaze LTE: TelOne’s 4G Powerhouse

Some of you might not be familiar with TelOne Blaze LTE. While we often associate TelOne with copper lines and ADSL, they actually hold a mobile network operator license. Blaze LTE is TelOne’s answer to Liquid Home’s popular WibroniX service, making them direct competitors in this space.

Initially, Blaze LTE was only available in limited areas, including Harare CBD. However, TelOne has been steadily expanding its coverage. In 2022, they announced the service’s availability in Chitungwiza. This year, they’ve been rapidly expanding, with recent additions including:

Rugare, Glen Norah, Budiriro, and Mufakose
Hatfield
Mt Hampden, Haydon Park, parts of Sandton
Zengeza 3 and 5
Mbudzi, Fidelity Park, Southlea Park, Hopley
Bulawayo and surrounding 5km radius
Mutare Zimta Park and Chikanga
Kwekwe CBD and surrounding 5km
Gweru CBD and surrounding 5km
Beitbridge CBD and surrounding 5km
Mabvuku Kamunhu Shopping Centre and surrounding 5km

According to a TelOne marketing executive, the expansion has enabled over 5,000 households to gain internet access in areas like Glenview, Budiriro 5, Mufakose, and Hatfield in Harare alone.

The Advantages of Blaze LTE Over ADSL

Blaze LTE offers several advantages over TelOne’s traditional ADSL services:

Higher Speeds: While ADSL in Zimbabwe is limited to speeds below 5 Mbps, Blaze LTE can deliver up to 100 Mbps in some areas.
Reliability: Unlike copper-based ADSL, which is prone to cable theft and damage, Blaze LTE uses wireless technology, making it more reliable.
Easier Deployment: In high-density suburbs where laying fibre is expensive and impractical, Blaze LTE can provide high-speed internet without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Flexibility: Although officially geo-locked, our sources suggest that Blaze LTE can be used in any area with coverage, offering more flexibility to users.

TelOne’s Fibre Developments

While Blaze LTE is making headlines, TelOne hasn’t neglected its fibre offerings. The company has been steadily expanding its fibre network, particularly in urban areas. Their fibre packages, such as the Infinity Supreme, offer speeds of up to 80-100 Mbps, rivaling some of the best offerings in the market.

Blaze LTE Packages and Pricing

TelOne offers several Blaze LTE packages to cater to different needs:

Package Name	ZiG Price	USD Price
Blaze Ultra 40GB	243.00	17.56
Blaze Trailblazer 100GB	606.00	43.79
Blaze Supernova (Unlimited)	2,539.00	183.47

For those interested in fibre options, TelOne’s Infinity Supreme (Uncapped) package offers speeds of 80-100 Mbps at ZiG 3,105.00 or USD 224.37.

Router Requirement and Justification

An important aspect of TelOne’s Blaze LTE service is the requirement to use TelOne-provided routers. The company offers two options:

Mi-Fi device: Priced at US$72
Indoor modem: Priced at US$122

While this requirement has faced some criticism, there are sound reasons behind TelOne’s decision. The service operates on specific frequency bands not commonly supported by most consumer devices. By providing their own hardware, TelOne ensures optimal performance, streamlines support, and maintains network stability. This approach, while seemingly restrictive, is aimed at delivering the best possible service quality and user experience.

Getting Connected

To get connected to Blaze LTE, you’ll need to visit your nearest TelOne center with your ID and proof of residence. The staff will confirm coverage in your area and guide you through the setup process.

FAQs

Q: Is Blaze LTE available nationwide?
A: While TelOne is rapidly expanding coverage, Blaze LTE is not yet available nationwide. Check with your local TelOne center for availability in your area.

Q: Can I use my own router with Blaze LTE?
A: TelOne provides routers as part of the Blaze LTE package to ensure compatibility and service quality. Using your own router may not be supported due to the specific frequency bands used.

Q: How does Blaze LTE compare to fibre in terms of speed?
A: In optimal conditions, Blaze LTE can offer speeds up to 100 Mbps, which is comparable to some fibre packages. However, fibre generally offers more consistent speeds and lower latency.

Q: Is there a data cap on Blaze LTE packages?
A: Some packages have data caps, while others, like the Blaze Supernova, offer unlimited data.

Conclusion

As we eagerly anticipate Starlink’s potential entry into the Zimbabwean market (and yes, we’re excited about it too!), it’s evident that local ISPs like TelOne aren’t resting on their laurels. TelOne’s Blaze LTE service, boasting speeds of up to 100 Mbps in Bulawayo and rapidly expanding across the country, is a clear statement of intent. This aggressive rollout positions TelOne as a formidable contender in Zimbabwe’s evolving high-speed internet landscape, ready to compete with both local and international players.

This summer of broadband speeds is great news for Zimbabwean internet users. As competition heats up, we can expect to see more innovations, better services, and hopefully, more affordable pricing across the board. Whether you’re in bustling Harare or sunny Bulawayo, faster internet is on the horizon – and TelOne’s Blaze LTE is leading the charge.

Stay tuned to Zimpricecheck for more updates on Zimbabwe’s evolving internet landscape. We’ll keep you informed about the latest developments, from Starlink’s anticipated launch to local ISPs’ innovative offerings.