In May 2006 Econet Wireless acquired a controlling interest in ST Cellular S.A, formerly Spacetel Burundi, one of four operators in Burundi licensed to provide GSM service, and began a major network expansion program.

[2] Even in areas where a grid connection was available, it was unreliable, with outages of 6 to 16 hours per day.

[4] In July 2011 Econet Wireless launched the first mobile broadband service in the country after investing over US$10 million in 3G technology.

[5] In October 2014 Econet Wireless Group, owned by Strive Masiyiwa of Zambia, bought U-Com Leo for US$65 million.

The company was upgrading its 3G network and rolling out 4G sites in large towns and cities, but did not see Burundi as being ready for 5G.