• 5G deployment in Ethiopia’s city Hawassa will provide faster connectivity for consumers and enterprises.
• Ericsson provided industry-leading 5G equipment and services that cater to the connectivity demands of subscribers.
• The 5G deal reinforces the long-standing strong partnership between Ericsson and Ethio telecom spanning more than 100 years.

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Ethio telecom have switched on 5G in Hawassa, Ethiopia marking a major milestone in the city's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) landscape and strengthening the century-old partnership between Ericsson and Ethio telecom.

The 5G network is powered by Ericsson Radio System products and solutions, laying the ground for future Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) applications and spectrum-sharing capabilities that will support Ethio telecom in addressing the growing demands of consumers and enterprises for scalable, more reliable, and faster connectivity.

With its higher speed and lower latency, 5G will pave the way for a multitude of transformative innovations. From faster internet and e-health services to online education and entertainment, 5G is poised to change how citizens in Ethiopia access information and communicate with one another.

Moreover, by harnessing the potential of real-time data transmission enterprises will have the chance to deploy cutting-edge services, capitalizing on new revenue streams and propelling economic growth. Key industrial sectors in the region, will gain access to seamless automation, revolutionizing their operations by enhancing efficiency, ensuring safety, and unlocking substantial cost savings.

Frehiwot Tamru, Chief Executive Officer of Ethio telecom, says: “The launch of 5G in Hawassa city in Ethiopia represents a significant leap forward in our aspiration to empower residents, businesses, and enterprises in the region with unparalleled opportunities. From revolutionizing industries to bridging the digital divide, 5G is set to transform the way Ethiopians live, work, and interact and we look forward to being at the forefront of this digital revolution. Over the years, we have achieved numerous connectivity milestones with Ericsson, and we remain committed to fostering this partnership to pave the way for innovative solutions that transform Ethiopia’s communications space in line with our LEAD Growth Strategy. This further supplements the strategic plans and goals Ethio telecom has set out for technological excellence aimed towards realizing a Digital Ethiopia.”

Todd Ashton, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit South and East Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “5G is a transformative technology that will reshape entire industries and empower individuals in unprecedented ways. Powered by our cutting-edge Ericsson Radio System portfolio, Ethio telecom’s 5G network in Hawassa will open a world of possibilities, enabling seamless connectivity and real-time data transmission. Enterprises in Hawassa will have the ability to innovate and create new revenue streams, while citizens will experience faster access to information and services, propelling the nation towards enhanced productivity and economic growth. 5G will contribute to Ethiopia’s prosperity in the digital economy and we look forward to our continued collaboration with Ethio telecom on advancing the network across the country.”

With 5G networks delivering incredible speed, significantly faster than 4G, this leap in connectivity will ensure that consumers across Hawassa experience reliable and faster access to online resources.