WiMAX operator launches in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s latest broadband Internet offering, uMAX, was launched in Harare under the umbrella of Dandemutande Investments, the holding company for Utande Internet Services, a well-known communications provider in Zimbabwe’s telecommunications industry.

Dandemutande Investments is majority owned by Masawara plc, a Jersey registered investment company that is primarily focused on acquiring interests in companies and projects based in Zimbabwe and the southern African region. Dandemutande Investments has made an initial capital investment of over US$17 million as part of its uMAX roll-out.

uMAX promises super-fast 1 Mbps connections for all customers; 24-hour customer support; an expertly managed network for maximum up time and superior and consistent quality; and multiple “MAX mini-stores” within some of Harare’s leading retail stores and brands.

uMAX claims to be the only broadband Internet service provider to offer a loyalty programme – MAX Rewards – for all customers.

The company offers three bundles for customers, all based on speeds of 1Mbps, with 60 days validity. These are: megaMAX with 2GB at US$70; mightyMAX with 6GB at US$140 and monsterMAX with 12GB at US$240.

uMAX indoor access devices are sold for US$200 including VAT, with the outdoor access device retailing at US$475, including installation, with the Wi-Fi router and VAT.

Dandemutande holds an Internet Access Provider ("IAP") Class A telecommunications licence that it was awarded by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) in 2009. The licence allows the company to construct, operate, develop, extend, and maintain a public data and Internet access network, and to offer Voice over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") services.