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Ethiopia: Ethio Telecom Expands 5G to 16 Cities with Bold Regional Move

April 12, 2025

With the addition of Bale Robe and Assela, the telecom provider has now extended its 5G network to 16 cities. This state-of-the-art technology delivers speeds up to 10 Gbps, supports up to a million devices per square kilometer, and offers ultra-low latency, significantly boosting connectivity, innovation, and industrial transformation. Meanwhile, 114 towns across the South East and South South-East regions have been upgraded to 4G LTE-Advanced service.

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In a significant step forward in Ethiopia’s digital transformation, Ethio telecom has launched 5G services in Bale Robe and Assela while also opening its new ‘South South-East’ regional office in Bale Robe.

These two developments—introducing advanced 5G connectivity and strengthening its regional presence—underline Ethio telecom’s dedication to expanding digital access and modernising telecommunications across the country.

With the addition of Bale Robe and Assela, the telecom provider has now extended its 5G network to 16 cities. This state-of-the-art technology delivers speeds up to 10 Gbps, supports up to a million devices per square kilometer, and offers ultra-low latency, significantly boosting connectivity, innovation, and industrial transformation. Meanwhile, 114 towns across the South East and South South-East regions have been upgraded to 4G LTE-Advanced service.

“This initiative is about more than just speed—it’s about opening doors to economic growth and social progress,” said Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru. “Our new regional office in Bale Robe and expanded 5G coverage lay the groundwork for a more inclusive, innovation-driven future.”

The newly inaugurated regional office will serve three administrative zones—Bale, East Bale, and part of West Arsi—spanning 29 districts, 38 towns, and 471 rural kebeles. The decision to restructure was guided by data and local demand, aiming to improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery.

The region holds vast economic potential, with thriving agro-industrial parks, flower farms, tourist destinations, and livestock markets. The advanced infrastructure and regional presence aim to fuel economic development, promote digital entrepreneurship, and strengthen rural-urban connections.

In support of its 5G rollout, Ethio telecom has also boosted 4G LTE-Advanced services in 114 towns across both regions, upgrading over 450 sites. This ensures fast and reliable internet access for both individuals and businesses.

Additionally, the company is rolling out digital literacy initiatives to ensure equitable access to its services. These programs aim to bridge digital divides—whether urban-rural or gender-based—and support job creation and the growth of small businesses and startups. These dual achievements—the launch of 5G and the establishment of a new regional office—highlight Ethio telecom’s crucial role in advancing Digital Ethiopia 2025, a vision for a more connected and tech-driven nation.