Econet Unveils Smart-Suite Bundles to Replace SmartBiz

Econet Wireless has officially launched a new range of internet bundles called Smart-Suite, marking the end of the controversial SmartBiz bundle that has troubled the operator over the past month.

The SmartBiz bundle, introduced as an unlimited data package, quickly gained popularity among heavy internet users, families, and businesses. However, as more customers migrated to the plan, Econet’s network began to buckle under the strain. In an attempt to manage the load, the company reduced the Fair Usage Policy (FUP) cap from 1000GB to 200GB, a move that triggered widespread backlash. Econet later reversed the decision but admitted it would need to rethink the offering.

Today, that rethink has materialized in the form of Smart-Suite. Unlike SmartBiz, the new packages are no longer unlimited, all plans now come with capped data allocations. The good news for customers, however, is that Econet has removed speed caps, a long-standing frustration for subscribers on earlier bundles.

According to Econet, the Smart-Suite is “tailored to your lifestyle” and offers something for every type of user, from light users to SMEs.

Here are the new Smart-Suite bundles:

• SmartLite: 50GB, no speed cap – US$30 (best for entry-level light users)

• SmartPlus: 75GB, no speed cap – US$40 (suitable for families)

• SmartMax: 100GB, no speed cap – US$50 (ideal for bigger homes and freelancers)

• SmartFlex: 200GB, 7Mbps – US$70 (good for flexible scaling and small offices)

• SmartUltra: 400GB, 10Mbps – US$99 (perfect for heavy multi-users and SMEs)

• SmartPro: 800GB, 20Mbps – US$170 (designed for established SMEs)

Routers to support the new packages are available in-store from US$48, and all bundles are geo-locked for reliability and security.

Home vs Business Packages

The Smart-Suite is now grouped into Home and Business categories. Customers coming from SmartBiz appear to have been moved automatically to the business packages. When accessing Smart-Suite through Econet’s platform, users are prompted to choose between Home and Business before entering their SmartBiz number. Attempts to register under Home return an error for SmartBiz numbers, while the Business option allows users to proceed.

This distinction matters because the business packages come at a premium price. The entry-level SmartFlex starts at US$70 for 200GB, followed by SmartUltra at US$99 for 400GB, and SmartPro at US$170 for 800GB. By contrast, home users can get lower-priced options starting from US$30.

While splitting the bundles according to usage is a step towards better management and fairness allowing customers to “pay for what they need” many will find the business tariffs steep, especially those previously relying on SmartBiz for cost-effective unlimited data.

Econet says the new structure will balance customer needs with network sustainability after months of grappling with congestion from unlimited usage. Customers can purchase Smart-Suite packages at any Econet shop or recharge by dialing *143#.