Ethio Telecom and ZTE Advance Network Modernisation as 4G Coverage Hits 92%

Ethio Telecom  and Chinese network technology provider ZTE  are progressing with a major network expansion and modernisation programme aimed at increasing high-speed mobile connectivity and strengthening Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure.

Ethio Telecom CEO Frehiwot Tamru recently met with a ZTE delegation led by Executive Vice President and COO Xie Junshi to review progress on the programme. The initiative follows a network expansion and modernisation agreement signed between the two companies during Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.

The project spans ZTE’s network footprint in Ethiopia and covers upgrades to radio access network (RAN), transmission and IP infrastructure. Ethio Telecom said implementation has so far been completed across 879 sites, including 462 RAN modernisation sites.

The completed RAN upgrades include LTE layering at 180 sites, LTE upgrades at 248 sites and full network swaps at 102 sites. The programme has also delivered 237 microwave-link upgrades and expanded IP RAN infrastructure at 103 sites.

Work is continuing on another phase of the programme, which includes the construction of 124 new sites, U2100 spectrum refarming at 272 sites and the deployment of 115 rural connectivity sites.

Ethio Telecom said the network improvements have contributed to increasing 4G mobile population coverage to 92% across its ZTE network footprint. The programme forms part of the operator’s wider network investment under its Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028 strategy, which prioritises broader data connectivity and infrastructure capable of supporting Ethiopia’s expanding digital services economy.

Frehiwot credited ZTE for its contribution to the programme and highlighted the supplier’s financing approach and technical capabilities. She also called for continued collaboration as the operator moves into the next stage of network expansion, which is expected to involve more ambitious deployment targets.

The discussions also extended beyond network infrastructure to smartphone affordability. Ethio Telecom and ZTE agreed to explore device-financing models that could make smartphones more accessible to consumers. The initiative could help the operator convert expanded 4G coverage into increased mobile internet adoption, particularly among users facing affordability barriers.

Energy efficiency and sustainability were also discussed as part of the companies’ broader cooperation. Under Ethio Telecom’s Green Operator programme, the two companies plan to collaborate on renewable and other green-energy infrastructure aimed at reducing the energy consumption and carbon footprint of telecom network operations.

The focus on energy efficiency comes as telecom operators across Africa face the challenge of expanding network capacity and rural coverage while managing the rising power demands and operating costs associated with growing mobile data usage.

The latest engagement further strengthens ZTE’s position as a key technology partner in Ethiopia’s telecommunications infrastructure market, where network operators are investing in modernisation to meet rising demand for mobile data and digital services.

Ethio Telecom and ZTE said they will continue collaborating on network expansion, affordable device access and green infrastructure as the operator works towards the objectives of its 2028 digital transformation strategy.