Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Ethio Telecom signs vendor deals at MWC26 to modernise network infrastructure and expand 4G and 5G coverage across Ethiopia, including rural connectivity projects and new innovation partnerships.
Ethio telecom and Ericsson have signed a network expansion agreement to deploy and upgrade infrastructure at 1,500 sites, bringing 4G-LTE services to more than 100 towns in Ethiopia. The deal strengthens a long-standing partnership aimed at expanding connectivity and supporting the country’s growing digital infrastructure.
Ethio Telecom has launched teleStream, an internet-based streaming service offering 60+ live channels and 350+ on-demand titles via fibre, 4G and 5G networks. Hosted on local cloud infrastructure, the platform aims to replace satellite TV while enabling digital education, business services, and targeted advertising opportunities.
Ethio telecom and Africa Finance Corporation are exploring a financing partnership to accelerate the “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, supporting infrastructure expansion, AI platforms, hyperscale cloud, and cross-border connectivity aligned with Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 roadmap.
Ethiopia’s two telecom operators have raised tariffs in response to currency depreciation, rising costs, and heavy infrastructure investment. Safaricom Ethiopia implemented a sharp data price increase amid foreign currency exposure, while Ethio Telecom introduced moderate adjustments to sustain service quality and network expansion.
Ethio Telecom is expanding telehealth services to 200 additional hospitals after extending its 4G network to 93 more cities. The move supports Ethiopia’s national digital transformation goals by improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and strengthening the role of mobile connectivity in delivering digital medical services.
Ethio Telecom has rolled out 4G LTE services in 93 cities, strengthening mobile broadband access across Ethiopia. The expansion improves data speeds, supports digital services, and aligns with national digital transformation goals, alongside SIM upgrades, discounted smartphones, and promotional data offers to accelerate adoption.
Ethio Telecom has opened its third AI-powered EV charging station in Addis Ababa, expanding total capacity to 48 vehicles. Equipped with 180KWh chargers, AI diagnostics, and telebirr integration, the station supports Ethiopia’s green mobility goals. Ethio Telecom’s network has already served over 165,000 EVs and prevented more than 6 million kg of CO₂ emissions.
Ethio Telecom has introduced low-cost cloud smartphones under the Znexus brand to make 4G access affordable and close Ethiopia’s digital divide. By moving processing to the cloud, the devices reduce costs and power needs while providing access to popular apps. The launch, alongside a new Cloud Workspace service, supports Ethio Telecom’s 2028 digital strategy to reach 99% 4.5G coverage and expand into cloud-driven business solutions.
Ethio Telecom and Huawei have deployed Africa’s first Solar-on-Tower solution in Ethiopia, enabling telecom sites to run four hours on solar daily and cut diesel use by 40%. The innovation addresses urban space limits and paves the way for greener, low-carbon telecom networks across Africa.