Source: Calls without Cash: NetOne disrupts telecom market -Newsday Zimbabwe
MOBILE telecommuncations services concern, NetOne, has introduced a reverse calling service, allowing subscribers to make calls even when they have zero airtime, with the recipient paying the charges.
The new service, called Pay for Me, is designed to ensure no caller is left disconnected, particularly during emergencies or critical situations.
The new service addresses Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, where many struggle to maintain constant mobile connectivity. By allowing a recipient to make a decision to pay for incoming calls, NetOne ensures that urgent communications — ranging from family emergencies to job opportunities — can proceed uninterrupted, making communication both accessible and flexible.
“The service, enables customers without airtime to initiate a call by dialing *164* followed by the recipient’s number. The recipient then receives a prompt asking whether they wish to accept the call and pay for it,” NetOne said.
“If accepted, the call proceeds and the precipient is charged the standard out-of-bundle rate. If declined, no charges are incurred by either party.
“It exists because money is tight but communication is essential, we understand the reality that emergencies, job opportunities or urgent family needs don’t wait for airtime.”
Targeting everyday users, the service is useful for a student needing to call home, a job seeker following up on an opportunity, a vendor confirming delivery or a stranded commuter seeking assistance. “The receiver is always in control — they choose whether or not to accept and pay for the call,” NetOne said.
Speaking to NewsDay, NetOne public relations manager Ernest Magadzire clarified that there are no hidden charges.
“The receiver only pays when they accept the call and bundles are not affected. There are currently no strict limits on usage, as long as the receiver has a positive balance.
“The receiver is always notified first and given a clear option to accept or reject the call. If accepted, the call connects and the receiver is charged at the standard out-of-bundle rate.
“If rejected, the call ends with no charges to either party, making the service simple, transparent and convenient,” he said.
Magadzire noted that customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with subscribers appreciating the convenience of staying connected during emergencies or important moments.
“Many appreciate the convenience of being able to communicate during emergencies or important moments without delay,” he said.
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