Zimbabwe’s state-owned telecommunications provider TelOne has unveiled TelOne Connect, a new product designed to maximize the company’s existing infrastructure and unlock new revenue streams. The launch marks a strategic move to modernize voice communication and expand accessibility in an increasingly digital era.
TelOne currently serves over 500,000 landline customers, though only 20% remain active. With TelOne Connect, the company aims to reignite usage by offering a solution that works for both landline and non-landline users, ensuring broader adoption and convenience.
Speaking at the launch event in Harare, TelOne CEO Engineer Lawrence Nkala described the product as “a bold leap forward in how Zimbabwe should be communicating going forward.”
Today we deliver a promise that will keep clients connected to what matters most. Mobility, flexibility, and digital access have become essential in modern communication, and TelOne Connect introduces a timely solution built for the modern Zimbabwean—powered by our trusted infrastructure and designed with simplicity, affordability, and security at its core.
Despite the rise of data-driven communication, Zimbabwe’s appetite for voice services remains strong. Internet penetration now exceeds 30%, and mobile voice traffic surpassed 4.2 billion minutes in Q1 2025, highlighting continued demand for reliable voice solutions.
Fixed Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscriptions are growing, and voice remains a dependable revenue stream for TelOne. Nkala emphasized that TelOne Connect is a strategic response to this trend, aiming to:
- Deliver a seamless cross-platform experience
- Increase recharge rates from 3% to 8%
- Expand active lines by making voice services accessible across devices
The TelOne Connect app, available on iOS and Google Play, enables users to make and receive calls globally, similar to platforms like WhatsApp, but with enhanced security and privacy. The company is targeting 20,000 downloads and activations by the end of next month, focusing on residential users and SMEs—especially given the perception that businesses without landlines lack credibility.
Nkala highlighted that TelOne Connect works over any internet or mobile network, offering a user-friendly interface and robust security features.
TelOne Connect is a product of your insights, your feedback, and your belief in our mission. Let us continue to connect Zimbabwe with the latest technology in line with the Government’s thrust of leaving no one and no place behind.
As a unit of the Mutapa Investment Fund, TelOne is Zimbabwe’s sole fixed-line telecommunications provider, operating the country’s largest fixed network and serving as a major internet access provider. The launch of TelOne Connect reinforces its commitment to innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that voice communication remains relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
