Addis Ababa: Ethio Telecom announced its ambitious plan to expand 5G mobile network services to 15 cities across Ethiopia in the current fiscal year. The initiative marks a significant step in the country’s digital transformation journey.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the company recently launched its 5G mobile network service in Bishoftu, a city in the Oromia Region. The launch event was attended by key officials and guests, including Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamiru. During the event, the CEO highlighted the company’s 130-year history of service to Ethiopians and its commitment to adopting global technologies over the past six years.

Frehiwot emphasized that Ethio Telecom is dedicated to making digital Ethiopia a reality, stating that the introduction of 5G services will play a crucial role in boosting the nation’s economy and job creation. The new 5G network in Bishoftu is expected to enhance the city’s technological capabilities, aligning with Ethio Telecom’s efforts to develop “Smart Bishoftu.”

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he CEO disclosed that the 5G network rollout is underway in several cities and aims to benefit an additional 15 cities within the current Ethiopian fiscal year. Frehiwot also mentioned Ethio Telecom’s initiatives to increase productivity and improve citizens’ livelihoods, citing the success of telebirr, a mobile payment service that has already served over 51 million customers.

Ethio Telecom has previously extended its 4G services to more than 400 cities and currently boasts 79 million mobile service users, underscoring its role as a key player in Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector.