Two pieces of mobile news should be on every Zimbabwean phone user’s radar. Econet has started rolling out VoLTE, which lets compatible phones make calls over 4G. And the operator has confirmed it plans to switch off its 3G network by the end of December 2027, with 2G to follow in phases. Together, they mark the beginning of the end for older phones on Zimbabwe’s biggest network.
What is VoLTE?
VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE. Without it, many phones drop from 4G to the older 3G network every time a call comes in. If you are using mobile data at that moment, your connection stalls or cuts out.
With VoLTE switched on, the call itself travels over 4G, so your data keeps flowing while you talk. In practical terms:
- Your hotspot stays up. If your laptop is connected through your phone, a call will no longer interrupt that upload or Zoom meeting.
- Calls connect faster and voice quality is typically clearer.
- Video calls from the dialler. On supported phones, you can start a video call straight from your normal phone app, without opening WhatsApp.
How to switch it on
Econet has been sending activation messages to subscribers. To check your phone:
- Android: go to Settings, then Mobile Network, SIM settings or Connections, and look for VoLTE Calls, 4G Calling or Enhanced 4G LTE Mode. Turn it on for your Econet SIM.
- iPhone: go to Settings, then Mobile Service (or Cellular), choose your Econet line and look under Voice & Data.
Can’t find the option? Dial 111 to ask Econet whether your line and handset are supported. Note that having a 4G phone does not guarantee every feature will work, and video calling in particular needs extra compatibility.
The 3G switch-off: what it means
Econet CEO Dr Douglas Mboweni has said the company will shut down 3G first, by the end of December 2027, followed by a gradual retirement of 2G. The aim is to free up spectrum and investment for faster 4G and 5G networks.
Zimbabwe is not alone. South Africa has also set 31 December 2027 as its 3G deadline, Rwanda is targeting 30 June 2027, and several European countries finished their switch-offs years ago.
When 3G goes, phones that only support 2G and 3G will gradually lose the ability to browse the internet, and eventually to make calls at all once 2G follows. That includes many older smartphones, budget handsets and basic feature phones.
Is your phone ready? A quick check
- Look for 4G or LTE in your phone’s network settings or in its status bar when you have signal.
- Check for a VoLTE setting using the steps above.
- Look up your model online and confirm it supports 4G bands used in Zimbabwe and VoLTE.
- Think about the whole household and team. Parents, grandparents and staff using older handsets are the most likely to be caught out.
For businesses: plan your upgrades now
If your team relies on company phones, card machines, GPS trackers, alarm systems or other devices that connect over the mobile network, check which generation they use. Many older point-of-sale terminals and trackers run on 2G or 3G. Replacing them gradually over the next year is far cheaper and less disruptive than a scramble in late 2027.
Upgrade with all.tech
Looking for a 4G or 5G phone with VoLTE support, or a laptop that makes the most of your faster connection? Browse the all.tech shop for phones, laptops and gadgets.
Not sure what to buy? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose a device that will last well beyond 2027.
