Ethio telecom and Ericsson launch 4G network for South West Ethiopia

JIMMA, Ethiopia – Ethio telecom is partnering with Ericsson to expand its 4G services into the South West region of Ethiopia during 2021.

The service provider will use Ericsson Radio System products and solutions for this deployment. The core expansion will take place in Ethio telecom’s regional data centers and the data centers in Addis Ababa.

Through this partnership, Ethio telecom will modernize its network by transitioning from the current Operations Support Systems (OSS) systems to the more advanced and high-capacity Ericsson Network Manager (ENM). Ethio telecom will also introduce Ericsson Cloud Packet Core and Ericsson NFVI (Network Functions Virtualisation Infrastructure) as part of the modernization effort. The 4G network will also use Ericsson Radio System products.

Ethio telecom’s expansion of 4G comes at a time when the demand for 4G is growing exponentially. According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, 4G subscriptions increased by approximately 100 million worldwide during the first quarter of 2021.

The expansion project confirms Ethio telecom’s commitment to modernize its network and bring enhanced data services to its customers.

"We are excited to collaborate with Ericsson in expanding our 4G/LTE Advanced service. This will bring high-speed internet to the South West region, which will be vital for achieving Ethiopia’s digitalization ambitions while improving the reach of Telebirr, our mobile money service," said CEO of Ethio telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru.

"We understand that digitalization has the potential to boost the livelihoods of Ethiopians while improving access to financial, healthcare, education, and services and we believe our collaboration with Ericsson will take us one step closer to a digital Ethiopia," she added.

Todd Ashton, VP and Head of Ericsson South and East Africa said that Ericsson began partnering with Ethio telecom in 1894.

"Fast forward nearly 130 years later and we have together launched one of the most advanced 5G ready networks in the region. As the world enters a digital age with 5G technology gradually rolling out across the world, we are reiterating our commitment to Ethiopia and Ethio telecom to support with our technology leadership and global expertise," Ashton said.

Ericsson AB (Nasdaq: ERIC)