Safaricom Ethiopia has announced that the price of mobile data service in the country has been reduced by 70 percent since it started operations in 2022.
A UK-backed mobile network operator has given millions of Ethiopians access to ultra-fast 4G mobile internet across the country.
On the other hand, it is remembered that Dagu Journal reported that Ethiotelecom, which is a government telecom provider, has recently increased its prices.
Ethio Telecom has made a large tariff reduction of 40 to 50 percent in 2018.
It can be recalled that he stated at the time that the institute had reduced the tariff considering the ability of the customers and the community to pay.
As of October 2024, Safaricom Ethiopia has made significant strides in expanding its telecommunications services and market presence. The company, which launched operations in Ethiopia in October 2022, has rapidly grown its subscriber base, recently surpassing 5 million customers. This rapid growth is attributed to the liberalization of Ethiopia’s telecom market, which allowed Safaricom to operate as a private entity alongside the state-owned Ethio Telecom.
A recent report by British International Investment highlights the transformative impact of Safaricom’s entry into the Ethiopian market. Key findings indicate a 70% reduction in mobile data costs and significant improvements in service quality due to increased competition. By June 2024, Safaricom Ethiopia had established nearly 3,000 network towers, providing 2G, 3G, and 4G services to around 44% of the population. The launch of M-PESA in Ethiopia has also been noteworthy, with over 5.8 million registered users since its introduction in August 2023, further enhancing financial inclusion in the country .
Safaricom’s commitment to Ethiopia is evident through ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology, aiming to expand its customer base significantly in the coming years. The company plans to continue scaling operations and improving digital services, targeting 10 million customers by March 2025