Ethio telecom, Ethiopia’s leading telecommunications provider, is accelerating its 5G network rollout, with plans to extend the service to 15 towns across the country by the end of the current fiscal year.
This expansion is part of the company’s broader strategy to modernize Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure and enhance access to advanced mobile services, positioning the country as a leader in digital transformation.
Read also: Nigeria, Ericsson sign MoU to establish 5G Innovation Lab
5G expansion underway across Ethiopia
Ethio telecom’s CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru, was a key speaker at the launch event for the company’s 5G program. During the event, Frehiwot highlighted that the 5G mobile network is already being implemented in several cities, and the company is on track to complete the expansion within the current Ethiopian fiscal year.
The CEO stated that Ethio telecoms is engaged in initiatives designed to enhance productivity and elevate the quality of life for citizens, highlighting that over 51 million customers have already benefited from Telebirr, a mobile payment service created and introduced by the company.
The 5G expansion is part of Ethio telecom’s mission to enhance productivity and improve the quality of life for Ethiopians, leveraging technology to create economic opportunities and improve service delivery.
Ethio telecom is dedicated to improving the nation’s global standing in digital services by implementing and broadening access to cutting-edge technologies throughout society. The company is diligently pursuing a diverse range of cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions to advance the vision for digital transformation of the country.
Reflecting on 130 Years of Service
At the event, CEO Tamiru also reflected on Ethio Telecom’s 130-year history of service to the Ethiopian people. The company has long been at the forefront of technological advancement in the country, providing a variety of telecom services that have been in use globally for the past six years. Ethio Telecom has consistently played a key role in Ethiopia’s development, and the CEO reiterated the company’s commitment to realizing the vision of a “Digital Ethiopia.”
The introduction of 5G service is central to this vision, as it is expected to significantly enhance the nation’s digital economy, improve productivity, and create new economic opportunities.
Read also: Nigeria internet users drop due to NIN-SIM verification
Bishoftu and the Smart City Initiative
One of the highlights of the 5G rollout is the launch of 5G mobile network service in Bishoftu, a city in the Oromia Region. The introduction of 5G service in Bishoftu is part of the company’s broader Smart Bishoftu initiative, which aims to leverage technology to enhance the city’s infrastructure and economic potential. Frehiwot noted that the city’s natural beauty and technological development will be complemented by the advanced 5G network, which will further position Bishoftu as a key driver of Ethiopia’s digital transformation.
Bishoftu joins several other cities that have already been connected to Ethio Telecom’s 5G network, including Addis Ababa, Adama, Jigjiga, Dire Dawa, Harar, Bahir Dar, and Hawassa. The rollout of 5G is expected to facilitate rapid technological advancements and support Ethiopia’s digital economy by modernising business operations, improving productivity, and enhancing the country’s overall competitiveness in the global market.
This will enhance efficiency, minimise resource wastage for greater profitability, increase revenue, provide products and services at competitive prices, and ensure fast, reliable, mission-critical data services that meet demand.
Ethio Telecom has expanded its 4G mobile network service to over 400 cities and currently serves 79 million mobile service users.