Ethio Telecom and ZTE to Expand 4G Coverage to 95.5%
A new agreement to modernize 647 network sites aims to bridge Ethiopia's digital divide and accelerate national digitalization.
Ethio Telecom and ZTE Corporation have signed a network expansion and modernization agreement to increase high-speed internet access across Ethiopia. Finalized at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, the deal represents a critical step in the country's push toward comprehensive digital connectivity.
Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will upgrade and expand 647 network sites. A significant portion of this rollout is dedicated to underserved regions, with 115 sites specifically located in rural areas. The primary objective is to push 4G population coverage to 95.5% within the ZTE operational circle, ensuring the vast majority of the population has access to reliable mobile broadband.
Strategic Modernization
This initiative is a core component of Ethio Telecom's broader corporate strategy, "Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028." To achieve these targets, the operator is employing a multi-partner approach to infrastructure modernization. While this latest deal focuses on ZTE's operational footprint, Ethio Telecom has signed similar modernization agreements with Ericsson to ensure a diversified and resilient network architecture.
Driving Digital Inclusion
Expanding 4G coverage to 95.5% has profound implications for one of Africa's largest telecom markets. By prioritizing rural infrastructure, the project directly addresses the digital divide, allowing millions of citizens and small businesses to enter the digital economy. High-speed connectivity is essential for the growth of fintech services; specifically, the expansion provides the technical foundation for the continued adoption of TeleBirr, the company's mobile money platform.
The Path Forward
As Ethiopia continues its digital transformation, the success of this rollout depends on the timely deployment of the 647 sites and the subsequent integration of rural users into the mobile ecosystem. Industry observers will be watching to see how this expanded coverage translates into increased data consumption and the scaling of digital financial services across the country's interior. This strategic move positions Ethiopia to better compete in the regional digital economy while fostering internal growth through enhanced connectivity.