Ethiopia Orders Telecom Regulator to Prioritise Service Quality and Affordability
Tamru called on the Authority to assess the practical impact of licences it issues, including whether they are being used, the services and innovations they enable, and their contributions to employment and growth in the communications sector.
Ethiopia’s Innovation and Technology Minister, Frehiwot Tamru, has directed the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA) to measure its performance by improvements in service quality, affordability, consumer protection and access, rather than administrative outputs alone.
The directive was issued during a review of the regulator’s five-year performance, the first-quarter results of the current fiscal year and preparations for its next five-year strategy, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology said on Tuesday.
Tamru called on the Authority to assess the practical impact of licences it issues, including whether they are being used, the services and innovations they enable, and their contributions to employment and growth in the communications sector. She also urged stronger spectrum management and enforcement of service-quality standards.
The Minister directed the ECA to work with telecommunications operators and regional administrations to expand connectivity in rural and underserved communities. The initiative is expected to include measurable targets and clearly defined implementation responsibilities.
The review also identified the need to modernise Ethiopia’s postal regulatory framework, which the Ministry said remains based on a proclamation issued in 1958 E.C. The ECA was instructed to collaborate with the Ministry and other stakeholders to develop updated legislation that supports digital modernisation, improves service quality and broadens access.
Tamru also emphasised the importance of a predictable regulatory environment that encourages investment and fair competition. She urged officials to eliminate unnecessary regulatory costs that could divert resources away from network expansion and service improvements.
In addition, the Authority was directed to strengthen market-data sharing, evaluate staffing and skills gaps, and work with universities to develop curricula aligned with the needs of the communications sector. The regulator was also asked to establish regular consultations with telecommunications operators, service providers and consumers.
The recommendations are expected to shape the ECA’s next five-year strategy, which the Ministry said should incorporate baseline data, measurable targets and indicators demonstrating tangible public benefits.
The proposed approach places greater emphasis on the outcomes of telecommunications regulation, including improved connectivity, affordable services and stronger consumer protection, as Ethiopia prepares its next phase of communications-sector development.
