3G Covers 73.7% of Rural Population as 5G Remains Urban-Only

By Ross Moyo

Zimbabwe’s 3G network now reaches 73.7% of the rural population, POTRAZ reported in Q4 2025.

This compares to 99.9% 3G population coverage in urban areas.

2G covers 79.0% rural and 99.9% urban, while LTE reaches 29.0% rural and 95.9% urban.

5G remains urban-only at 18.9% population coverage and 0.0% rural.

Geographic coverage stands at 81.7% for 2G, 75.4% for 3G, 59.3% for LTE, and 15.9% for 5G.

Total base stations reached 13,104, with 5,101 2G, 4,052 3G, 3,585 LTE, and 366 5G.

Econet owns 58.01% of urban and 48.22% of rural sites.

NetOne has 31.79% urban and 46.14% rural, showing strong rural presence.

Telecel holds 10.20% urban and 5.64% rural.

POTRAZ said 3G expansion is critical for digital inclusion in rural areas.

The 2026 outlook expects 5G to gradually extend beyond urban centres.