ZOL Zimbabwe
 ZOL Zimbabwe Logo | |
Trading name | ZOL Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
Formerly called | Zimbabwe Online |
Type | Private |
| Industry | Internet Service Provider |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | David Behr |
| Headquarters | 3rd Floor, Greenbridge, Eastgate, Cnr R Mugabe/Sam Nujoma, Harare, Zimbabwe |
Key people | Denny Marandure, CEO David Behr, Chairman |
| Parent | Liquid Telecom Group |
| Website | www Contact Number 263 (04)775116 |
ZOL is one of the biggest internet service providers in Zimbabwe with a growing coverage base which includes most of the country's major cities such as Harare and Bulawayo. The company provides fibre, VSAT and wireless Internet services to a large range of clients from multi-national enterprises to home users.
Background
The company is initially called Zimbabwe Onlineand was founded in 1994 by a technology guru David Behr. David studied Electronic Engineering at the University of Bristol, focusing on telecommunications and computer science. He returned to Zimbabwe between 1999 and 2002 to run ZOL full time, before spending 7 years living and studying in the USA, where he received an MBA from Harvard Business School.[1]
Acquisition by Liquid Telecom
In 2012, ZOL was acquired by a continental telecom giant Liquid Telecom Group which has interests in countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Uganda and Kenya. After the deal, its founder Behr assumed a dual role as Executive Director Liquid and Chief Executive Officer of ZOL, with his main focuses on the retail side of the Liquid business.[1] The acquisition of ZOL by Liquid in 2012 also resulted in a partnership with the parent company Econet Wireless Group which operates Econet Wireless Zimbabwe the largest telecoms company in Zimbabwe in terms of subscriber base.[1]
Expansion
After its acquisition by Liquid in 2012, ZOL witnessed considerable growth tripling in size in just 18 months. It also provides over 700Mbps of Internet bandwidth per month, run over 60 servers in 3 continents, employ over 90 staff across four offices in Zimbabwe and hosts over 3,000 domain names. It has a Network Operations Centre (NOC) and support desk is open every day of the week all year round. ZOL Zimbabwe also operates over 100 ZOLspots supported by hyper speed Wi-Fi hotspots that enable anyone to access broadband Internet.[2]
Coverage
ZOL has more than 100 wifi spots in Zimbabwe which provides internet to mobile phone users, laptop users and desktop users in homes, schools and workplaces. The company offers a double amount of data services during weekends and after hours to its clients.[3] In Zimbabwe, ZOL has wifi hotspots in areas such as Harare, Chitungwiza, Marondera, Chegutu and Chinhoyi.
Products and Services
- Broadband
- VSAT
- Phone Service
- Conference Calling
- Domain Names
- Web Hosting
- Mail Hosting
ZOL Restaurant Week
The concept of the ZOL Restaurant Week is a brainchild of Joseph and Veronica Bunga. The initiative came into being in 2010 and is an eleven-day event designed to showcase the diverse culinary experiences within the country at outrageously affordable prices.[4] Food lovers are given the chance to sample some of the best Zimbabwean restaurants at lower prices. Managed by Eat Out Zimbabwe, the event also promotes the best Chefs in the land through showing their culinary skills to guests. Initially limited to Harare, the Restaurant week was also launched in Bulawayo in 2013. The inaugural edition of the ZOL restaurant week was held from 17 to 25 May 2013.[4]
ZOL Social Responsibility
Education
As part of the company's ploughing back to the community agenda, schools and educational institutions in Zimbabwe enjoy discounts on the service from Zol.[5]
ZOL Startup Challenge
The company pioneered the ZOL startup challenge in order to encourage young entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe to pursue their tech-related projects in a more engaging manner. Through this initiative, ZOL provides a panel of experts as well as financial support.[5]
Supporting The Arts
ZOL is one of the key supporters of The Arts in Zimbabwe and recognises the need for creativity and expression. As one of the main sponsors of the Harare International Festival of the Arts HIFA, the company has emerged as not only a follower but also an ardent supporter of local arts.[5]
Supporting Local Charity
ZOL is an official Zimbabwe Colour Run sponsor, the first of which was held in December 2013, with thousands of Zimbabweans joining in the fun to help raise money for local causes. The annual event brings the community together to help raise money for the underprivileged and disabled children, the SPCA and various animal shelters throughout the community.[5]
Disconnections with Telecontract
The disconnection between the two partners occured in 2010 after the partners failed to settle terms on finances. The initial arrangment had to with ZOL getting customers and running all the administrative business while Telecontract was supposed to provide services for the clients. It happened that Telecontract began to demand more income from the former and this failed to materialise resulting in hundreds of clients being disconnected.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 , David Behr, Group Director Special Operations,Liquid Telecom Group, retrieved:15 Jan 2015"
- ↑ author, About Us,ZOL, retrieved:15 Jan 2015"
- ↑ , ZOLspot,ZOL, retrieved:15 Jan 2015"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 ZOL Restaurant Week - 17 - 25 May 2013, 'Eat Out, Published: Retrieved: 13 May 2014
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 , CSR,ZOL, retrieved:15 Jan 2015"
- ↑ L.S.M. Kabweza, Telecontract ‘Illegally’ Disconnects 200 Zimbabwe Online’s Broadband Customers,Tech Zim, published:29 Mar 2010,retrieved:15 Jan 2015"
