Telecel Reports Significant Decline in Active Mobile Subscriptions

Telecel has reported a significant decline in active mobile subscriptions for the second quarter of 2025, raising alarms about its competitive standing in the telecommunications market. The company’s subscriber base dropped by 5.05%, falling from 336,559 to 319,548 active users. This decline marks a troubling trend for the operator, which is already facing increasing pressure from rivals.

The broader mobile market in Zimbabwe is experiencing growth, with total active mobile subscriptions rising by 1.23% to reach 16,089,628. In contrast, Telecel’s loss of subscribers signals potential issues with customer retention and service satisfaction. The company’s competitors, particularly Econet and NetOne, have capitalized on this opportunity, gaining subscribers while Telecel struggles to maintain its user base.

By Ropafadzo Mashawi

Telecel’s decline may be attributed to several factors. The increasing preference for data-driven services among consumers has led to a shift in subscriber loyalty towards networks that offer better data plans and innovative features. Furthermore, Telecel’s recent offerings may not have resonated well with users, leaving them dissatisfied and prompting a search for alternatives.

The decline in subscriptions also raises questions about Telecel’s market strategy. Without significant changes to its service offerings and customer engagement tactics, the company risks falling further behind its competitors. Industry experts emphasize the need for Telecel to reassess its approach, focusing on enhancing service quality and exploring partnerships that could provide value-added features for users.

As the telecommunications sector in Zimbabwe continues to evolve, Telecel must act swiftly to address its subscriber losses. The future of the operator hinges on its ability to adapt to changing consumer demands and reinvigorate its brand image. Failure to do so could result in a further erosion of its market position, making it crucial for the company to implement effective strategies to regain customer trust and loyalty.