NetOne has rolled out a new service known as Reverse Calling, giving subscribers the ability to make phone calls even when their airtime balance is zero. Under the service, the cost of the call is transferred to the person receiving it, provided they agree to accept and pay for the call at standard NetOne rates.
The service works in two ways. Subscribers can either dial the number they wish to call by prefixing it with 164, or simply attempt to make a call when their airtime has run out. In both cases, the network automatically initiates a reverse call request.
For example, to call a NetOne number such as 0713 456 789, the caller dials 164713456789. When using the country code, the format becomes 164263713456789.
Once the call reaches the recipient, a voice prompt notifies them that the caller has no airtime and asks whether they are willing to pay for the call. If the recipient accepts, the call connects and the charges are billed to their account at normal NetOne tariffs. If the call is declined, it ends immediately and no charges are applied to either party.
NetOne has clarified that there are no extra fees attached to using Reverse Calling beyond the usual call rates. However, the service is limited to NetOne-to-NetOne calls and cannot be used to contact Econet or Telecel subscribers.
The new feature is expected to be particularly useful in emergency situations or when subscribers urgently need to communicate without airtime.
