Whether you’re planning a trip, relocating for work, or simply curious about digital life in Ethiopia, understanding the country’s internet and mobile data landscape is essential. Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in connectivity especially in urban centers like Addis Ababa but challenges remain in rural regions. To help you stay connected, here’s a guide that not only explains what services look like today but also explores how the telecom industry has evolved over the years.
From Monopoly to Competition: Ethiopia’s Telecom Evolution
For decades, Ethiopia’s telecom industry was controlled solely by Ethio Telecom, the state-owned operator. This monopoly allowed for the gradual rollout of infrastructure, but customers often faced high prices, limited innovation, and inconsistent service. Things began to shift in 2021, when the government opened the market and welcomed private players.
The arrival of Safaricom Ethiopia, a subsidiary of Safaricom Kenya, marked a turning point. Safaricom quickly gained traction in major cities by offering competitive prices, faster SIM registration, and more customer-friendly services. Today, the two providers operate side by side: Ethio Telecom remains the dominant player with nationwide coverage and its mobile money platform, Telebirr, while Safaricom continues to expand its network and attract younger, tech-savvy customers. For consumers, this competition means better service quality, more choices, and steadily improving prices.
Mobile Data: Coverage and Speeds
Connectivity in Ethiopia depends largely on where you are. In major cities like Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, and Bahir Dar, 4G/LTE is widely available. Speeds can range from 8 to 20 Mbps for downloads and 2 to 10 Mbps for uploads fast enough for streaming, video calls, and most day-to-day use. Outside urban areas, however, service slows down. Smaller towns often rely on 3G, and in rural or mountainous regions, you may only find 2G. That means basic browsing and messaging are usually fine, but video streaming or long Zoom calls could be a challenge.
Getting a SIM Card in Ethiopia
If you’re arriving in Ethiopia, getting connected is relatively straightforward. Travelers can purchase SIM cards at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa where both Ethio Telecom and Safaricom have official outlets. It’s also easy to find SIMs in city centers look for customer service centers. To register, you’ll need your passport or another form of government-issued ID, as well as an unlocked phone.
Ethio Telecom offers a wide range of data and call bundles, along with Telebirr for mobile payments, while Safaricom is quickly becoming known for affordable packages and smooth onboarding. Whichever provider you choose, make sure to test your SIM before leaving the shop to confirm it’s working.
Wi-Fi and Home Internet
Wi-Fi access in Ethiopia varies depending on location and infrastructure. Most hotels and guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds are often inconsistent. Cafés and coworking spaces in Addis Ababa usually have more reliable connections, but it’s always wise to check before committing to work from there. For longer stays, Ethio Telecom provides fiber-optic connections in select neighborhoods. Installation can take time, and service interruptions aren’t rare, but for those living in the capital, home internet is an option.
Restrictions and Reliability
While Ethiopia’s connectivity is improving, it’s not without its challenges. The country has occasionally imposed internet shutdowns during sensitive times, such as national exams or political unrest. These aren’t everyday occurrences, but if you depend heavily on consistent access, it’s worth keeping in mind.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
It’s a good idea to bring an unlocked, dual-SIM phone so you can take advantage of both providers for wider coverage. Power cuts are fairly common, particularly outside Addis Ababa, so having a power bank and universal adapter will save you trouble. Topping up data in small amounts is often smarter than buying large bundles, since unused credit can expire quickly. And if you plan to travel to remote places like the Danakil Depression or certain national parks, expect little or no signal download maps and offline apps before you go.
Ethiopia’s telecom industry has transformed dramatically in just a few years. The shift from a state monopoly to a competitive market has made internet access faster, cheaper, and more reliable for locals and visitors alike. With Ethio Telecom modernizing its services and Safaricom expanding rapidly, staying connected in Ethiopia in 2025 is easier than ever.
And if you’re looking to settle in for more than a short stay, Live Ethio can help you find a home whether that’s an apartment for rent in Addis Ababa
so you can be comfortable both online and offline.