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ECONET Wireless, one of the country's leading telecommunications companies, is reeling from a shortage of lines that has forced some of its customers resorting to the black market where prices have skyrocketed up to US$20 from the usual US$1.

This is in total contrast to other networks such as NetOne and Telecel whose lines are being offered for as little as US$1 for two with free airtime and data bundles.

Investigations by this paper showed that lines with codes 0777-9 are being sold for US$8 while the 0772-3 lines are going for as much as US$20.

Some of the vendors selling the lines in Harare said they had taken advan-tage of the shortage to make a killing.

"The shortage of lines in Econet shops is an advantage to us. We are maximising our profits by selling the lines at a higher price of up to US$20," said one vendor.

Municipal Police have been engaged in running battles with the vendors but their efforts have been rendered useless since the vendors keep coming back.

"We are always at risk when caught by Municipal Police who require one to pay a fine of US$15-US$20, but their efforts do not deter us from carrying our business since the fine is equal to the price of a single line.

"Although, the prices are fairy high for some people who end up buying Telecel or NetOne lines, those who are used to Econet are forced to buy them at such prices," said George Moyo, a vendor.

An Econet insider confirmed the shortage but could not give the reasons for the limited supply.




The official said he was not aware when the lines would become available at the Econet outlets.

Efforts to get a comment from the company's spokesman, Mr Ranga Mberi, were unsuccessful as he insisted on having the questions in writing.


Econet Black market
Source: TH

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