Zimbabwe Data Usage Soars: What's Driving Our Insatiable Internet Hunger?

If there’s one thing that’s clear from the latest POTRAZ report, it’s that we Zimbabweans are using more internet data than ever before! It’s like we’ve developed a serious hunger for all things online, and the numbers are quite staggering. Mobile internet data traffic, which is how most of us get online, jumped by a massive 24.13% in just the last three months of 2024. We went from using 78.38 Petabytes (that’s 78 billion Megabytes!) in the third quarter to a mind-boggling 97.19 Petabytes (an incredible 97 billion Megabytes!) in the fourth quarter. That’s an increase of nearly 18.81 Petabytes of data in just three months! So, what’s behind this data explosion, and what does it mean for us everyday Zimbabweans?

One of the biggest drivers, as the report points out, is simply that our lives are moving more and more online. Think about it. How many of us start our day checking WhatsApp, scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, or catching up on news online? Social media is a huge part of how we connect, share, and get information. And all those videos, pictures, and updates consume data. The report highlights that the “wide adoption of smartphones and social media engagement” are key factors. With more affordable smartphones becoming available, more Zimbabweans are getting online and joining these digital conversations.

Then there’s the rise of e-commerce and e-learning. Many of us are now more comfortable shopping online, whether it’s for groceries, clothes, or gadgets. This convenience means more browsing, more product images, and more online transactions – all using data. For students, from primary school to university, online learning has become a big part of education, especially since the pandemic. Accessing learning materials, attending online classes, and submitting assignments all require a steady internet connection and a good chunk of data. This is a positive trend as it opens up educational opportunities, but it also puts pressure on families to afford data bundles.

Let’s not forget entertainment! Streaming services for music and videos are becoming increasingly popular. Instead of waiting for a song to play on the radio or a show to air on TV, many Zimbabweans are now choosing to stream what they want, when they want it. This on-demand culture is fantastic for choice, but it’s also very data-intensive. Those high-definition movies and endless playlists add up quickly!

Improved network infrastructure also plays a part. As mobile network operators like Econet, NetOne, and Telecel invest in upgrading their networks, particularly with more LTE (4G), and even the beginnings of 5G, internet speeds are getting better in many areas. Faster speeds often mean we do more online – we’re more likely to watch a video if it doesn’t buffer endlessly, or download a large file if it doesn’t take all day. The POTRAZ report notes that “improved network infrastructure which has improved network speeds” is a contributor to the data surge. For instance, Econet, the largest operator, saw its mobile data traffic increase by 28.00%, from 59.71 Petabytes  to 76.43 Petabytes. NetOne’s traffic grew by 11.36% from 18.40 Petabytes to 20.49 Petabytes, and Telecel also saw a marginal growth of 0.42% from 275.70 Terabytes to 276.85 Terabytes.

Businesses, too, are relying more on the internet. From marketing their products on social media to using cloud-based software for their operations, data is becoming essential for companies of all sizes. This digital transformation can make businesses more efficient and help them reach new customers, but it also adds to the overall demand for data.

The festive season at the end of 2024 also likely played a role in the Q4 data spike. People connect more with family and friends, share holiday greetings and videos, and perhaps have more free time to spend online. This seasonal effect often boosts data usage.

So, while this booming data usage – an additional 18.81 Petabytes in a single quarter – shows Zimbabwe is becoming more digitally active, it also brings up some important questions. The biggest one for many is affordability. Is data cheap enough for everyone to enjoy these online benefits? While competition exists, the cost of data can still be a significant burden for many households. We need to ensure that this digital revolution doesn’t leave people behind simply because they can’t afford to stay connected.

Another concern is network capacity. Can our current infrastructure handle this ever-increasing demand? While operators are investing, we’ve all experienced those frustrating moments of slow internet or dropped connections, especially during peak times. Continued investment in robust and widespread network coverage is crucial.

This insatiable hunger for data is a sign of progress and a reflection of our changing lifestyles. It shows that Zimbabweans are eager to learn, connect, and engage with the digital world. The challenge now is to make sure that this access is reliable, affordable, and available to everyone, so that all Zimbabweans can truly benefit from the opportunities that the internet brings. The POTRAZ report gives us the numbers, but it’s up to all stakeholders – the government, the regulators, the network operators, and us as consumers, to shape a digital future that’s inclusive for all of Zimbabwe.