Econet Says Buy US$200 Router For Smartbiz Data, Mi-Fi Won’t Work Well: What You Need to Know

SmartBiz Update: Mi-Fi Devices To Be Throttled, Routers Now Required

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has informed its SmartBiz customers that they must purchase a specific Wi-Fi router to continue using the service effectively, stating that using a Mi-Fi device will result in very slow network speeds. The directive was sent via SMS to customers on Friday, 5 September 2025. SmartBiz data lines will cease to function in mobile phones from 10 September 2025 and will only operate through Wi-Fi routers.

The text message said:

“Dear Customer. Please note that your data line will only be able to access services through a Wi-Fi router from 10 Sept. To stay connected, visit an Econet shop to buy a router.”

This move has left many subscribers seeking clarity on the new requirements for the service.

What This Means For Your Mi-Fi Device

According to a follow-up chat with an Econet Support agent on WhatsApp, the network will be severely throttled for users attempting to connect via a Mi-Fi device. Mi-Fis are popular, portable, and often more affordable alternatives to fixed routers. When a customer asked, “Will MiFis still work?”, the agent’s response was unequivocal.

The agent stated:

“If you use a mifi the network will be really slow.”

This confirms that while a Mi-Fi may still technically connect, the experience will be poor. For customers who invested in a Mi-Fi for its portability and convenience, this change presents a significant new hurdle and expense.

Understanding The Router Requirements

The same support chat clarified that customers are not entirely locked into buying a router directly from Econet. When asked, “Does any router work?”, the agent replied:

“Other routers do still work fine.”

However, the service’s performance is heavily dependent on the quality of the router used. When the SmartBiz service first launched, Econet recommended specific technical specifications for optimal performance. These included eSIM or device-locking capability, 5G/4G support with WiFi 6, and a powerful antenna.

At the time of the service’s introduction in 2024, indoor routers were selling for approximately US$50 (ZW$1,040). These devices are not mobile and must be plugged into a power source. Econet was also offering a more robust outdoor router at a promotional price of US$200 in 2024, though it was ordinarily retailing for around US$400. This promotional price placed it in direct competition with the hardware cost of a Starlink kit, raising questions about its competitiveness.

As of the recent WhatsApp support chat, Econet is promoting its own routers. The agent quoted:

“The smartbiz router is going for $199. The smart4U router is $48 with free 100gb for the first month.”

This suggests customers are being steered towards routers costing nearly US$200 (approximately ZAR 3,800) for the best experience, a substantial investment for many.

The Bigger Picture For SmartBiz Users

This directive comes after a period of significant change for the SmartBiz product. Launched in June 2024, the service initially offered an attractive unlimited data package for US$45 per month. However, by July 2025, widespread customer complaints emerged regarding drastically reduced speeds. Reports indicated that Econet had quietly reduced the fair usage policy (FUP) cap on its most popular plan from 1TB to 200GB without formally notifying all customers, leading to a backlash.

The latest move to enforce router use appears to be another step by Econet to manage network traffic and performance on the SmartBiz service. By ensuring customers use higher-specification routers, the company may be attempting to optimise connectivity and stabilise the service following previous challenges. The company has not issued an official public statement explaining these specific changes to Mi-Fi access or the new router emphasis.

What should customers know?

SmartBiz data lines will still connect on Mi-Fi devices, but speeds will be heavily throttled.
Routers from other suppliers may work, but customers are advised to check compatibility.
Econet shops are selling routers ranging from US$48 (R887) to US$199 (R3,680).
Older promotions offered outdoor routers for US$200 (R3,680), though availability is uncertain.
The changes take effect from 10 September 2025

Customers are now faced with a decision: invest in a new router to maintain their SmartBiz service, or seek alternative internet solutions.