The rise of digital dependence is in full swing in Zimbabwe, and for home users, unlimited internet access is becoming more of a necessity than a luxury. Whether it’s streaming, working from home, or just managing a household of smart devices, the right home internet package is crucial. But here’s the thing to remember: “unlimited” isn’t exactly what it seems. Providers may slap a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) on these plans, and once you cross the invisible line, you could find yourself throttled, slowed down, or even temporarily disconnected.
Let’s get into the real details of what’s out there in Zimbabwe right now. We’re focusing on home internet packages, how much they cost, and how you can get hooked up.
Liquid Home (formerly ZOL)
zw.liquidhome.tech
Liquid, one of the better-known ISPs in Zimbabwe, offers unlimited data via WiBroniks (LTE) and Fibroniks (fiber). But before you get excited, know that WiBroniks isn’t easy to come by. New lines? Rare. And even if you manage to snag one, some are geo-locked, so they only work in the area where they were registered. Fibroniks, meanwhile, is only available in select areas, mostly mid- and low-density regions.
WiBroniks Unlimited (LTE Network)
- Cost: ZWG 2,457 , WiBroniX Infinity 89: 20Mbps at USD $89.00 per month.
- Coverage: Limited, and new lines are scarce.
Fibroniks Unlimited (Fiber Network)
ZWG Plans
- Family Entertainment: ZWG 3,054
- Modern Family: ZWG 4,090
- Power Pack: ZWG 5,978
USD Plans:
- FibroniX Infinity 99: $99/month (75Mbps)
- FibroniX Infinity 129: $129/month (100Mbps)
- FibroniX Infinity 169: $169/month (150Mbps)
Pros:
Liquid’s fiber connection is solid where available, and the range of pricing means you can pick based on what you need and what you can afford.
Cons:
Equipment and installation fees can add up. The LTE network (WiBroniks) is hit or miss—sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Takeaway:
If you’re in an area with solid Fibroniks coverage, go for it. But WiBroniks users should check how it performs in their specific area before signing up.
Econet Smartbiz
www.econet.co.zw
Econet’s new Smartbiz plan is their take on unlimited home internet, leveraging their massive mobile network. This is LTE-based and available wherever Econet has coverage, which is basically everywhere. The downside? The prices are only in USD, and the packages cap out at pretty low speeds compared to some competitors.
Packages:
- 5 Mbps: $45 USD (1TB Fair Usage Cap)
- 10 Mbps: $87 USD (1.2TB Fair Usage Cap)
- 20 Mbps: $167 USD (1.3TB Fair Usage Cap)
- 50 Mbps: $417 USD (1.5TB Fair Usage Cap)
Pros:
Econet’s coverage is unparalleled. Wherever you are in Zimbabwe, if Econet has a signal, you can likely get Smartbiz.
Cons:
Expensive hardware upfront. You’ll need to buy a new line and router, and the pricing structure isn’t exactly affordable for higher-speed options.
Takeaway:
Smartbiz could be a game-changer for rural users or those without access to fiber, but at $417 for 50Mbps, it’s a steep ask for most households.
TelOne
www.telone.co.zw
TelOne is the government-backed option for home internet, offering plans via ADSL, LTE, and fiber. If you’ve been around long enough, you know TelOne. They’re in most major towns and cities, and like Econet, they’ve got a widespread footprint.
USD Packages:
- Platinum Unlimited: $90
- Unlimited 1: $140
- Unlimited 2: $200
ZWG Packages:
- Blaze Supernova: ZWL 2,539
- Intense Uncapped: ZWL 2,425
- Intense Supreme: ZWL 3,105
- Intense Extra: ZWL 4,058
Pros
It’s available almost everywhere, and they’ve got options to suit different budgets and connection types.
Cons
Mixed reviews from users—some areas get decent service, others, not so much. And, like other providers, expect upfront equipment costs.
Takeaway
TelOne could be a good budget-friendly option, but only if the service in your area is solid. Ask around first.
Utande
www.utande.co.zw
Utande is another player in the fixed LTE market, with a smaller but growing footprint. They operate mainly in cities like Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Kwekwe. The pricing is competitive, but the big issue is occasional downtime.
Packages:
- StarterMax (5Mbps): $60 USD
- SuperMax (10Mbps): $99 USD
- MegaMax (15Mbps): $169 USD
- GigaMax (20Mbps): $249 USD
Pros:
Utande delivers the speeds it advertises, and when the network is up, it’s solid.
Cons:
Frequent downtime, though they’re good about communicating when things go wrong.
Takeaway:
If you can live with the occasional outage, Utande’s pricing is hard to beat. Just don’t expect flawless uptime.
Powertel
www.powertel.co.zw
Powertel doesn’t get much attention, but they’re quietly offering some of the most affordable unlimited plans around. Instead of the typical monthly packages, Powertel offers daily, weekly, and even hourly unlimited data options.
Packages:
- Hour: $0.50
- Day: $2
- Week: $10
- Month: $30
Pros:
Ultra-affordable, especially for low-income users who just need quick, short-term data.
Cons:
Information on speeds and coverage is lacking. Plus, this service feels very budget-oriented—don’t expect blazing fast speeds.
Takeaway:
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need consistent high-speed access, Powertel might be worth considering.
Starlink
www.starlink.com
Starlink has finally arrived in full in Zimbabwe, and it’s making waves for good reason. High-speed, low-latency internet beamed directly from space—what’s not to love? Well, the initial hardware cost, for one.
Packages:
- Residential Lite: $30/month
- Residential Standard: $50/month
Pros:
Starlink’s availability is a massive advantage, especially in rural areas where other ISPs simply don’t reach.
Cons:
The cost of the hardware is steep—$350 for the standard kit, $200 for the mini kit. And you’ll have to order it online and wait for delivery.
Takeaway:
If you’re in a remote area and have no other option, Starlink is a revelation. Just be prepared for that initial investment.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to unlimited home internet in Zimbabwe, your options largely depend on where you live and what your budget looks like. Liquid offers solid fiber plans if you’re in the right area, Econet’s Smartbiz brings decent LTE coverage nationwide, and TelOne is always a steady option. Utande is priced competitively but comes with downtime issues, while Powertel is a fantastic low-budget option for users who don’t need long-term plans. And, of course, Starlink is the new kid on the block, offering rural and underserved areas a game-changing solution, but at a price.
Whichever way you go, always ask around, read reviews, and check the FUP before committing to a service. After all, “unlimited” means different things depending on who’s selling it.
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