Zimpapers Logo

A few days back, after Econet launched the SMS bundles  we were sceptical if any  mobile operator would actually promote Whatsapp bundles since this is obviously their major threat and an obvious reason why most people have abandoned texting.The SMS bundles offered by Econet has set the entry level at 50 cents for 1 week of unlimited access to the SMS across the network and unlimited SMS access for  $1.50 for the month.

More like the Econet team were eavesdropping, they recently launched what we rightfully termed the most unthinkable move !
So, skeptical as ever we had to read between the lines to pick the missing fragments which most people are likely going to miss under the noise of void celebrations.

Why would a GSM operator generously promote an app which is obviously chewing their revenue streams ?
It’s a public secret! Whatsapp is not killing texting at US 8 cents per message, its killing Multi media messaging and seriously encroaching into voice revenue shares with audio recording capacity.

The truth is Econet can not be stupid to promote such a fiery contender unless they are really stupid  of course!
Another silent voice whispered that they maybe continuing with their cold war against Telecel for a Pyrrhic victory of subscriber harvest, so coming from that background a lot of reading  between the lines had to be done.

So here it is, Econet has launched Whatsapp Bundles in a move that has certainly raised more than eyebrows.
After a quick look into the pricing structure by Econet, well, I can safely say that we were not so far from the truth, the Whatsapp bundles will make so much noise more than they really can offer.

Here is how the bundles are going to work. According to Econet , you either purchase the bundles through their *143# format USSD or purchase them directly from any Econet shop!

As for now the Whatsapp bundles are available for only prepaid customers, Econet have shut out the contract users in this launch for now for obvious reasons.

For only 24hrs of unlimited network dependent interaction on Whatsapp, their buddies will have to fork out 30 cents.
Here is the catch! For seven days it costs their buddies 95 cents, just 5 cents less a dollar while the monthly Bundles have been pegged at US$3.

The big question: Is this move really worth the attention ?
For any normal or hardcore Whatsapp user, what is the average usage of Whatsapp considering a dollar can only give you a maximum of 10mb of data?

Plain messaging (Whatsapp) will last you more days with a dollar even four or more days plus multi media then probably less days.
With 30cents per day, this may translate to the normal usage for any ordinary user plus the advantage of expiration waiver.

The same can almost  be said for 95cents bundles which is close to 10mb which any normal user can still last so its all about repackaging the same present here.

The same can not be said  about the $3 bundle this is the only real deal here sending relief for the whole month.
The $3 monthly bundle  will keep many people connected on the go even after other data hungry apps have packed up and just like the Facebook bundles for the whole month, it will prove to be much more popular.

Testing of the package is still ongoing and further updates are to be expected, What’s your take?

The Writer is the editor of TechnoMag, Zimbabwe`s Premier Technology Magazine, more on www.technomag.co.zw or join us on our facebook page www.facebook.com/technomagzw Email [email protected] tweet @TechnoMagZw