Zimbabwe’s second-largest mobile network operator, NetOne, has revised its off-peak data hours and introduced specialised connectivity packages aimed at tourists entering the country.
The company has shifted its off-peak data window to run from 10 pm to 5 am, replacing the 1 am to 7 am schedule.
The move comes a month after the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) wrote to the state-owned operator following numerous consumer complaints about the structure, pricing and marketing of off-peak data bundles included in standard monthly packages.
In a letter dated 21 January 2026, CCZ Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Mpofu said the Council was concerned that the bundles were being sold at full price, even though a significant portion of the data could only be used during off-peak hours — a time when most consumers are asleep or unable to make meaningful use of the service.
Mpofu noted that, as a result, substantial amounts of paid-for data were routinely expiring unused at the end of each billing cycle.
In a statement issued this week, NetOne said it had adjusted its off-peak hours to better reflect changing customer data usage patterns. The company said:
“This customer-first adjustment allows more Zimbabweans to take advantage of affordable internet for overnight downloads, updates and entertainment.”
The revised off-peak period is expected to benefit students, content creators and households that schedule heavy internet use at night, particularly as demand for data-intensive services continues to grow.
NetOne said the change forms part of ongoing refinements to its data products, as the company seeks to listen to customers and continuously improve service delivery.
Alongside the off-peak adjustments, NetOne has introduced a Tourist SIM card for visitors arriving in Zimbabwe.
The Tourist SIM is being distributed free of charge at major ports of entry, including airports, and offers flexible bundles designed for short-term stays.
According to NetOne, the SIM remains active for up to 90 days and is intended to ensure that visitors can access affordable, high-quality connectivity from the moment they arrive in the country.
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