In a bold move that’s set to shake up Zimbabwe’s internet service provider (ISP) landscape, Utande has announced significant price cuts and speed upgrades for both its LTE and Fibre packages. This strategic response comes hot on the heels of Starlink’s recent entry into the Zimbabwean market, which has been met with both enthusiasm and challenges.

Timing Is Everything

Utande’s announcement couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. Recent reports indicate that Starlink users in Harare have been experiencing slower-than-expected speeds, likely due to network congestion. Furthermore, Starlink has temporarily halted new orders for Harare, changing the city’s status to “Expanding Q3 2024” on their website. This pause in new subscriptions presents a golden opportunity for established ISPs like Utande to recapture market share and attract customers who might be reconsidering their options.

LTE Package Revamp

Utande has completely overhauled its LTE offerings, introducing more competitive pricing and higher speeds across the board. Here’s a breakdown of the new packages:

Plan	Speed	Data	Price	Cloud Storage	Utalk Airtime	Utalk lines
Starter MAX	Up to 10 Mbps	Unlimited	$49	20GB	60 minutes	1 with 5 extensions
Super MAX	Up to 15 Mbps	Unlimited	$89	50GB	90 minutes	1 with 5 extensions
Mega MAX	Up to 20 Mbps	Unlimited	$120	100GB	120 minutes	1 with 10 extensions
Diamond Lite	Up to 20 Mbps	Unlimited	$95	100GB	60 minutes	1 with 5 extensions
Diamond Flow	Up to 30 Mbps	Unlimited	$145	100GB	90 minutes	1 with 5 extensions
Diamond Wave	Up to 50 Mbps	Unlimited	$250	100GB	120 minutes	1 with 10 extensions
Diamond Prime	Up to 100 Mbps	Unlimited	$330	100GB	180 minutes	1 with 10 extensions

These new packages represent a significant improvement over Utande’s previous offerings, with some plans seeing speed increases of up to 100% at the same or lower price points.

Fibre Packages Get a Boost

Not to be outdone, Utande’s Fibre packages have also received a substantial upgrade:

Package	Speed	Data	Price
Business Standard	Up to 15 Mbps	Unlimited	$145
Business Pro	Up to 20 Mbps	Unlimited	$200
Business MAX	Up to 30 Mbps	Unlimited	$230

These new Fibre packages offer increased speeds and more competitive pricing compared to their predecessors. Utande is also sweetening the deal for new Fibre customers with a limited-time promotion for the first 50 sign-ups, which includes:

Free Utalk VoIP Number with 60 minutes of calling credit
Cyber Security License for 3 Users
1 year domain registration
1 year free email hosting
Free VoIP handset for Business MAX subscribers

A New Era of Competition

Utande’s CEO, Never Ncube, commented on the new packages: “We’ve always been committed to providing Zimbabweans with the best possible internet services. These new offerings are a direct response to the evolving needs of our customers and the changing landscape of internet connectivity in Zimbabwe. We believe that healthy competition ultimately benefits the consumer, and we’re excited to offer these improved packages to both new and existing customers.”

This move by Utande is likely to spark a price war among Zimbabwe’s ISPs, potentially leading to better services and lower prices across the board. It’s a clear indication that established players in the market are taking the Starlink threat seriously and are willing to adapt to maintain their market position.

What This Means for Consumers

For Zimbabwean internet users, particularly those in Harare who may be frustrated by Starlink’s current limitations, Utande’s new packages present an attractive alternative. The combination of unlimited data, increased speeds, and additional perks like cloud storage and VoIP services make these offerings competitive not just with Starlink, but with other local ISPs as well.

Moreover, Utande’s established infrastructure and local support may provide a more reliable experience for users who need consistent connectivity for work or business purposes. The company’s ability to offer on-site support and quicker resolution of technical issues could be a significant advantage over satellite-based services like Starlink.

Flexible Payment Options: A Game-Changer

One of the most significant advantages of Utande’s new packages is the flexibility in payment options. Customers can pay for these packages at the interbank rate, resulting in massive savings and a huge value proposition, especially for individuals and entities that earn primarily in ZiG.

This is in stark contrast to companies like Starlink, which can only be paid in USD using a bank card due to their lack of a Zimbabwean presence. For individuals looking to pay such bills, the most reliable source of foreign currency is often the black market, where rates can soar as high as $50 ZWG per 1 USD, making the seemingly cheap Starlink packages considerably more expensive.

On the other hand, Utande allows payments using the official interbank rate, which is often lower. Currently, this rate stands at $25 ZWG per 1 USD, effectively halving the cost for those earning in local currency. This flexibility not only makes Utande’s packages more accessible but also provides a significant cost advantage for many Zimbabwean consumers and businesses.

The Road Ahead: Adapting to a Changing Landscape

As Starlink works to expand its capacity in Harare and other urban areas, it’s clear that the local ISP market is not going to sit idly by. Utande’s proactive approach sets a precedent that other providers are likely to follow, potentially ushering in a new era of improved internet services across Zimbabwe.

For consumers, the message is clear: now is an excellent time to reassess your internet options. Whether you’re currently using Starlink, another provider, or looking to upgrade your connection, Utande’s new packages are worth considering. As always, it’s essential to evaluate your specific needs, budget, and location when choosing an internet service provider.

Utande’s new offerings are available now, and interested customers can find more information or sign up for services on the company’s website at https://utande.co.zw/.

As the internet landscape in Zimbabwe continues to evolve, we’ll keep you updated on the latest developments and offers from all providers. Stay tuned for more updates and comparisons to help you make the best choice for your connectivity needs.