NetOne Just Made Emergency Calls Easier for Millions of Zimbabweans

NetOne has introduced a new feature called Reverse Calling, and it might be one of the most practical telecom innovations Zimbabwe has seen in years. At a time when many people struggle to keep airtime on their lines, this service brings back a sense of dignity and safety to everyday communication. It allows anyone to place a call even when their airtime balance is completely empty. Instead of the caller being charged, the person receiving the call is asked to accept the cost. If they agree, the call goes through at the normal rate. If they decline, nothing happens and no money is taken from either side.

It is such a simple idea, yet it is one that speaks directly to our reality. Zimbabweans often find themselves in situations where airtime is unavailable at the very moment it is needed the most. A child at school who suddenly needs help, someone stranded in town after their phone is stolen, a relative trying to notify family about an emergency or even a worker trying to reach their boss for something urgent. These are the kinds of moments where communication cannot wait for an airtime recharge.

To activate Reverse Calling, a NetOne user can simply attempt to call as usual even without airtime. The system will automatically offer the option. Another option is to dial the number using the prefix 164 like (164netone#). The person receiving the call will then get a prompt asking if they are willing to pay for the conversation. Once they accept, the call continues normally. It currently works only between NetOne numbers, although many Zimbabweans hope the feature will eventually support cross-network calls.

If Econet and Telecel adopt similar features, Zimbabwe would build a telecom environment that feels more responsive to the needs of ordinary people. Innovations do not always need to be complicated. Sometimes the most powerful solutions are the ones that fit seamlessly into everyday life.

NetOne deserves credit for moving first. Reverse Calling shows that a network can still introduce meaningful features that make life easier. This is the sort of service that can actually help during emergencies, support people who cannot always afford airtime and reduce missed opportunities caused by simple communication barriers. It is a gentle reminder that technology should always meet people where they are.