Zimbabwe Internet Users Still Experiencing Network Slowdown

WASHINGTON —  Zimbabweans in some cities continue experiencing a slowdown in internet services due to the severing of under sea cables by ship anchors six days ago near Egypt and France.

According to some residents of Zvishavane, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo and Masvingo, the slowdown has affected business transactions such as the popular Econet Wireless Zimbabwe's money transfer system – EcoCash, communication between civil society groups and social networking.

Liberty Bhebhe of the National Youth Development Trust said most youths are feeling the pinch of the slowdown as internet social networking has become part of their lives.

Interview With Liberty Bhebhe

In a statement posted on its website, SEACOM - which is in charge of some of the internet cables - says it has completed the restoration of the majority of its customers on its cable system link that was cut in Egpyt and Europe.

Internet users in Harare and Mutare say the situation has improved following the slowdown which started Friday.

According to the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, mobile internet subscribers on Zimbabwe's three mobile networks rose to over 2 million by the end of August last year.