In a landmark move reinforcing its leadership in Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey, Ethio telecom announced the launch of 5G services in Bale Robe and Assela, while also inaugurating its new ‘South South-East’ regional office in Bale Robe.
These twin milestones—cutting-edge connectivity and deeper regional presence—highlight the company’s commitment to expanding access to digital services and modernizing service delivery across the nation.
Ethio telecom’s ongoing rollout of 5G has now reached 16 cities, with Bale Robe and Assela becoming the latest additions. This next-generation wireless network delivers speeds of up to 10 Gbps, supports 1 million devices per square kilometer, and features ultra-low latency, transforming lives, industries, and innovation capacity. In parallel, 114 towns across the South East and South South-East regions now enjoy upgraded 4G LTE-Advanced services.
“This expansion is not just about faster internet; it’s about unleashing new economic and societal opportunities,” said Frehiwot Tamiru, CEO of Ethio telecom. “With the opening of our new regional office in Bale Robe and the extension of 5G, we are creating a future-ready infrastructure that is both inclusive and innovative.”
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A New Regional Hub Empowering Local Growth
The South South-East Region office, strategically based in Bale Robe, will now serve three administrative zones—Bale, East Bale, and part of West Arsi—covering 29 woredas, 38 towns, and 471 rural kebeles. This restructuring, driven by data and demand, enhances operational efficiency and customer proximity.
The region is rich in economic assets: from major agro-industrial parks and flower farms to tourism destinations and livestock markets. The new office and advanced telecom infrastructure aim to accelerate local economic development, foster digital entrepreneurship, and deepen rural-urban integration through connectivity.
Massive 4G LTE Expansion in 114 Cities
To complement the 5G rollout, Ethio telecom has also expanded its 4G LTE-Advanced services to 114 towns across both regions, upgrading over 450 sites. This ensures seamless, high-capacity broadband access for residents and businesses alike.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Ethio telecom is also spearheading digital literacy campaigns to ensure inclusive access to its services and solutions. These efforts help bridge the urban-rural and gender digital divides, foster job creation, and support small businesses and startups.
The dual milestone—the launch of 5G services and establishment of the South South-East regional office—reinforces Ethio telecom’s pivotal role in realizing Digital Ethiopia 2025, a vision for inclusive, tech-powered national transformation.
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