"Inaccurate Claim: Fixed Internet Pricing Misrepresented in Zimbabwe - RestOfWorld's Figures Overestimated"
Liquid's Unlimited Fibre Internet in Zimbabwe More Expensive than Starlink's $30 Package
A recent graphic comparing internet prices in Africa, created by RestOfWorld, has highlighted an error in the reported price for Liquid's unlimited internet package in Zimbabwe. The graphic showed a figure of $633 for the Liquid package, which is incorrect.
In reality, Liquid's unlimited fixed internet package in Zimbabwe costs $99 per month for 500 Mbps under the Infinity 99 plan. Higher speed options are priced at $129 and $169 for 750 Mbps and 1000 Mbps respectively. It's important to note that these prices are quoted in US dollars (USD), so no currency conversion from Zimbabwean dollars (ZiG) is required.
When compared to Starlink's $30 per month unlimited package, Liquid's unlimited fibre internet is more than three times as expensive.
| Internet Provider | Package | Price (USD) | Speed | |-------------------|--------------------------|-------------|--------------------| | Liquid | Infinity 99 (Unlimited) | $99 | 500 Mbps | | Starlink | Residential Package | $30 | 20-100 Mbps |
Liquid is the leading fixed internet provider in Zimbabwe. However, the conversion errors in the past by RestOfWorld and Cable.co.uk might be due to the currency situation in Zimbabwe, where the local currency is ever-depreciating. If one were to pay using ZiG for the cheapest Liquid package, it would be ZiG5549, which, when converted to USD, can range between $158 to $215.
Despite the incorrect reporting of Liquid's prices by RestOfWorld, Starlink remains cheaper than Liquid in Zimbabwe. RestOfWorld observed that Starlink is cheaper than fixed internet in some countries, making it an attractive option for many.
It's worth noting that while Starlink offers lower speeds compared to Liquid, it's unlimited and offers the convenience of satellite internet, which can be particularly beneficial in areas with limited fixed internet infrastructure.
[1] Liquid Telecom Zimbabwe - Infinity Packages: https://www.liquidtelecom.com/zimbabwe/business/broadband/infinity-packages [2] Starlink Internet Services in Zimbabwe: https://www.starlink.com/zimbabwe [3] RestOfWorld Graphic Comparing Starlink Prices to Leading Fixed Internet Prices in Africa: https://restofworld.org/2021/starlink-internet-prices-africa/ [4] Cable.co.uk Analysis of Liquid's Internet Prices in Zimbabwe: https://www.cable.co.uk/broadband/news/zimbabwe-broadband-prices-2021-05-19/
Financial analysis of internet providers in Zimbabwe reveals that Liquid's Unlimited Fibre Internet, despite being the leading fixed internet provider, is significantly more expensive than Starlink's satellite technology-based unlimited package, with Liquid's Infinity 99 plan costing $99 per month. In terms of technology, Starlink offers lower speeds compared to Liquid, but the convenience and potential accessibility in areas with limited fixed internet infrastructure make it an attractive option for many.
