Ethio Telecom Claims Company is World’s Cheapest Service Provider











Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio Telecom, took the spotlight at Parliament yesterday, answering over 200 questions from lawmakers about the company’s growth and its role in Ethiopia’s digital revolution. She proudly shared how Ethio Telecom’s commitment to cost-effective services has positioned it as the world’s cheapest telecom provider.

“Over the last five years, our focus has been on offering the most affordable services to our customers, which has been instrumental in driving our growth,” Frehiwot explained. “Before we made reforms, we had 37 million customers. Today, our customer base has reached 80 million, a direct result of our price affordability, rather than just infrastructure expansion.”

She went on to detail that, to date, over 81.8 million devices are connected to the Ethio Telecom network, a testament to the success of the company’s affordability strategy, especially in the context of the growing digital age. “Smartphones are essential for accessing a wide array of services, yet many were previously out of reach for most Ethiopians. Understanding this need, Ethio Telecom took steps to offer a range of affordable smartphones, contributing to our Digital Ethiopia goal,” she added.

Globally, Ethio Telecom stands as the 17th largest telecom operator by customer base, among 278 telecom operators worldwide. In Africa, it ranks as the second-largest operator, following Nigeria, out of 195 operators. One of the company’s standout achievements is the success of Telebirr, its digital finance platform. Launched just three years ago, Telebirr has attracted approximately 52 million customers and processed transactions amounting to Birr 3.3 trillion, encompassing 1.3 billion transactions.

However, lawmakers voiced concerns over the affordability of Ethio Telecom’s services, particularly the high cost of mobile data. Dr. Desalegn Chane, a Member of Parliament, expressed his frustration with the pricing, calling mobile data rates “exorbitant.” He questioned whether Ethio Telecom was involved in theft, highlighting the increasing discontent regarding the company’s service costs.

He shared his personal experience, saying, “I personally use 4G and have Wi-Fi at home. But when I’m out, a Birr 100 card won’t even last me a day.”

Another Member of Parliament highlighted the rapid price adjustments across various products. “Almost in every product, prices are adjusted immediately. While capital is necessary, this has raised concerns among society. We need to support them,” he said.

In response, she attributed the price adjustments to recent macroeconomic reforms. “We’ve been expanding our infrastructure and importing goods from abroad. For example, after the macroeconomic reforms, the Birr was devalued. Without ensuring profitability, business continuity would be at risk,” she explained.

Ethio Telecom’s extensive reach is further demonstrated by its growing network of service providers. The company currently has 1,033 service providers across the country, supported by 514 franchise partnerships and an additional 546 enterprises and kiosks.

One of the standout achievements has been Telebirr, Ethio Telecom’s digital finance platform, which has completely changed the game. In just three years, Telebirr has attracted approximately 52 million customers and processed over Birr 3.3 trillion in transactions, which means 1.3 billion transactions.

Frehiwot said that it has launched over 270 services, ranging from basic connectivity to advanced solutions like cloud services, digital financial services, and lifestyle-enhancing digital services.

The CEO also reported that Ethio Telecom now serves 78 million voice users, 43 million internet users, and 776,000 fixed broadband users. These numbers reflect the company’s commitment to ensuring that more Ethiopians can connect, communicate, and thrive in the digital age.











3 COMMENTS

Otoro bakalo







January 4, 2025 At 1:51 pm













Ethioteleco is by far distance in providing the so called cheap service. It is behind its competitor Safaricom even. We the true customers can assure this. Personally Ethiotelecom has been an agravating element for my gastric case. Sorry for Fire, CEO, becouse I like her.

Ethioteleco is by far distance in providing the so called cheap service. It is behind its competitor Safaricom even. We the true customers can assure this. Personally Ethiotelecom has been an agravating element for my gastric case. Sorry for Fire, CEO, becouse I like her.

Omar







January 5, 2025 At 10:31 pm













“Ethio Telecom Claims Company is World’s Cheapest Service Provider” Not sure, but I’m sure that it claims the company is world’s poorest network service provider

“Ethio Telecom Claims Company is World’s Cheapest Service Provider” Not sure, but I’m sure that it claims the company is world’s poorest network service provider

Ahmed







January 8, 2025 At 12:15 am













It’s the most expensive data ,minute and sms everything cost you alot there no even 3 g or 4g in our area daily data is 30 birr for 650 Mb and it won’t last 1 gb is 59 birr it’s very expensive really even airtime you don’t found everywhere after you recharge they deduct 3birr for nothing I think still alot of things to change we need 4g everywhere and weekly data to be 40 birr and daily data must be 30 birr 1gb street not like 650 + 650 this plus is boring we need more improvement really thanks

It’s the most expensive data ,minute and sms everything cost you alot there no even 3 g or 4g in our area daily data is 30 birr for 650 Mb and it won’t last 1 gb is 59 birr it’s very expensive really even airtime you don’t found everywhere after you recharge they deduct 3birr for nothing I think still alot of things to change we need 4g everywhere and weekly data to be 40 birr and daily data must be 30 birr 1gb street not like 650 + 650 this plus is boring we need more improvement really thanks

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