Ethiopia Speed Test - Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Speeds
Test your internet speed in Ethiopia
Ethiopia recorded 9.01 Mbps median fixed broadband download speed at the beginning of 2025 with 29.5 million internet users representing 21.7% penetration. Safaricom Ethiopia leads broadband speeds at 30.2 Mbps average download, more than doubling Ethio Telecom's 13.76 Mbps median performance. Mobile internet averages 7.3 Mbps on Ethio Telecom's 4G network which reaches 74% of the population across 1,069 towns. Ethio Telecom launched commercial 5G services in September 2023 at 145 sites in Addis Ababa and expanded to 15 cities, while Safaricom Ethiopia deployed 4G starting October 2022. Urban areas like Addis Ababa access fiber-to-the-home in select neighborhoods, but only 669,000 fixed broadband subscribers existed nationally as of 2023, leaving 75.7% of Ethiopians in rural areas dependent on limited 3G or 4G mobile networks where infrastructure permits.
Internet in Ethiopia
Ethiopia's internet market operates as a regulated duopoly since Safaricom Ethiopia broke Ethio Telecom's eight-decade monopoly in 2022. The two operators account for 90% of mobile connections, while small ISPs like Websprix and Winet serve fiber broadband niches.
Ethio Telecom serves 79 million mobile users with 97% population coverage and operates 23,000 km of fiber backbone reaching all regional states.
The state-owned incumbent launched pre-commercial 5G in May 2022 at six sites in Addis Ababa, then activated commercial 5G at 145 sites in September 2023, expanding to 15 cities by November 2024. Safaricom Ethiopia officially launched 4G network services on October 6, 2022, and contributed USD 300 million in revenue to parent company Safaricom by FY 2025 despite startup losses.
Competition forced Ethio Telecom to cut mobile data tariffs by 70% and accelerate 4G deployment to 1,069 towns covering 74% of the population. Fixed broadband remains limited with only 669,000 subscribers nationwide as of 2023. Fiber-to-the-home exists in select Addis Ababa neighborhoods but virtually absent elsewhere.
Last-mile fiber deployment focuses on businesses and high-income urbanites who can afford packages averaging ETB 1,287 per month at median household income of ETB 6,529 monthly. Over 50 million Ethiopians are expected to connect to mobile internet by 2028 as operators expand 4G and 5G coverage.
Rural areas where 75.7% of the population lives face limited connectivity with telecommunications infrastructure almost entirely absent outside population centers.
Internet Infrastructure in Ethiopia
Fiber Broadband
Ethiopia connects to the global internet through submarine cable access via neighboring countries and relies on a 23,000 km fiber backbone operated by Ethio Telecom. Domestic fiber infrastructure reaches all regional states but last-mile fiber-to-the-home deployment concentrates in select Addis Ababa neighborhoods and a few businesses.
A national fiber project aims to fully transform Addis Ababa's copper network within three years, cover major regional cities in five years, and extend to zonal and district cities across the country. Many rural areas and cell sites still depend on microwave radio links for backhaul which have lower capacity than fiber.
Mobile Networks
Mobile infrastructure provides the primary internet access method with Ethio Telecom achieving 97% population coverage. The operator added 278 new mobile stations between July and December 2025, including 130 in rural areas, bringing 4G-enabled towns to 1,069 covering 74% of the population.
Safaricom Ethiopia deployed 4G starting October 2022 and recorded 32.81 Mbps median download speed, more than doubling Ethio Telecom's 13.76 Mbps performance.
Ethio Telecom launched pre-commercial 5G in May 2022 using Huawei infrastructure at six sites in Addis Ababa, then activated commercial 5G at 145 sites in September 2023. The 5G network expanded to cities including Bale Robe and Assela by late 2024, with plans to reach 15 cities during the current fiscal year.
5G offers theoretical speeds above 100 Mbps but requires compatible handsets or routers and availability in select coverage areas. 4G LTE covers urban areas and main highways with speeds averaging 7.3 Mbps on Ethio Telecom. 3G networks provide basic coverage in smaller towns and rural areas where 4G infrastructure has not reached.
DSL and Copper
Fixed broadband uses ADSL over legacy copper lines or fiber connections where available. Ethio Telecom phased out copper installations in 2024 to focus on high-speed fiber deployment but existing copper networks remain active until replacement.
Internet Speed: Urban vs Rural Ethiopia
Addis Ababa dominates Ethiopia's internet landscape with the widest access to advanced connections including fiber-to-the-home in select neighborhoods, 5G coverage at 145 sites since September 2023, and 4G LTE from both Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia.
Urban Areas
Urban internet penetration reaches 84% compared to only 63% in rural areas where 75.7% of Ethiopia's population lives. Addis Ababa residents benefit from competition between Safaricom and Ethio Telecom which drove 70% mobile data tariff cuts and network improvements.
Safaricom recorded 32.81 Mbps median broadband download speeds in the capital, while Ethio Telecom delivers 13.76 Mbps median and 7.3 Mbps average mobile speeds. Fiber-to-the-home exists in affluent neighborhoods but costs ETB 1,287 per month on average, representing 20% of median household income.
Secondary Cities
Regional cities like Arba Minch, Jimma, Bale Robe, and Assela receive improving 4G coverage and selective 5G deployment. Ethio Telecom reached 1,069 4G-enabled towns covering 74% of the population by late 2025. Secondary cities access ADSL over copper or fiber where backhaul permits, but speeds often stay below 15 Mbps.
Urban Areas
Most urban residents rely on mobile 4G data bundles as primary internet access due to limited fixed broadband infrastructure. Rural Ethiopia faces a sharp digital divide with telecommunications infrastructure almost entirely absent outside population centers. Approximately 63% of rural residents lack internet access entirely.
Rural Areas
Villages depend on 3G networks where coverage exists or have no connectivity at all. Many rural cell sites use microwave radio backhaul instead of fiber, limiting capacity and speeds to under 5 Mbps typical. The 21 percentage point gap between urban penetration at 84% and rural penetration at 63% highlights the connectivity challenge.
Ethio Telecom added 130 rural mobile stations in the second half of 2025 but reaching 84.5 million rural Ethiopians requires massive infrastructure investment. Government digital initiatives target schools and community centers but deployment remains limited.
Remote and Underserved
By 2028 over 50 million Ethiopians are expected to gain mobile internet access, primarily through 4G expansion into underserved areas.
Internet Providers & Speed in Ethiopia
Ethio Telecom
Ethio Telecom operates as the state-owned incumbent with 79 million mobile service users and 97% population coverage. The operator controls 23,000 km of fiber backbone reaching all regional states and owns submarine cable access for international connectivity.
Ethio Telecom leads 4G deployment with 1,069 towns covered representing 74% of the population and added 377.7 km of new fiber in the second half of 2025. Mobile speeds average 7.3 Mbps download and 6 Mbps upload on 4G networks, while broadband median reaches 13.76 Mbps.
The operator
The operator launched pre-commercial 5G in May 2022 using Huawei infrastructure at six sites in Addis Ababa, expanded to commercial 5G at 145 sites in September 2023, and reached 15 cities by November 2024. Ethio Telecom cut mobile data tariffs by 70% after Safaricom entered the market.
Fixed broadband packages range from ETB 1,287 average monthly cost for fiber-to-the-home in select Addis Ababa neighborhoods. Mobile data costs ETB 5 for 45 MB valid one day, ETB 10 for 100 MB one day, ETB 700 for 10 GB thirty days, or ETB 1,800 for 3 GB thirty days.
Recent price increases averaged 18% for data and 37% for voice due to rising operational costs from floating exchange rate adoption. Modem costs ETB 300 for copper and ETB 600 for fiber as one-time payment, with installation free up to 500 meters. Safaricom Ethiopia entered the market on October 6, 2022, ending eight decades of monopoly.
The operator deployed 4G networks and recorded the fastest broadband speeds in Ethiopia at 32.81 Mbps median download, more than doubling Ethio Telecom's 13.76 Mbps performance. Safaricom reported USD 300 million revenue contribution from Ethiopia to parent company by FY 2025 despite startup losses of KES 25.7 billion.
The operator forces competition that benefits consumers through lower prices and network improvements. Safaricom focuses on 4G expansion in urban areas and main population centers with plans to reach broader coverage.
Small ISPs like Websprix and Winet serve niche fiber broadband markets in Addis Ababa and major cities, focusing on business customers and high-income residential users who can afford premium fixed connections.
Internet Speed by Region in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia's most developed internet market with fiber-to-the-home available in select neighborhoods, 5G coverage at 145 sites since September 2023, and 4G LTE from both Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia. Safaricom records fastest speeds at 32.81 Mbps median download while Ethio Telecom delivers 13.76 Mbps median broadband and 7.3 Mbps average mobile. Urban penetration reaches 84%. Fixed broadband costs ETB 1,287 average monthly representing 20% of median household income ETB 6,529. Mobile data bundles range ETB 5-1,800 depending on allowance and validity. Competition between operators drove 70% mobile data tariff cuts. Peak congestion can reduce speeds during evening hours. Fiber deployment focuses on affluent neighborhoods while middle-income areas rely on ADSL over legacy copper delivering 5-15 Mbps. 5G requires compatible devices and coverage limited to 145 sites. Most residents use mobile 4G as primary internet access.
Regional Cities (Dire Dawa, Bahir Dar, Gondar, Mekele, Hawassa, Jimma, Arba Minch)
Mid-tier connectivity with improving 4G coverage. Ethio Telecom reached 1,069 4G-enabled towns by late 2025 covering 74% of national population. Major regional capitals access fiber backhaul and selective 5G deployment in cities like Bale Robe and Assela. ADSL over copper or fiber where available delivers 5-15 Mbps typical speeds. Safaricom focuses initial deployment on larger population centers. Mobile 4G provides primary internet access with speeds 7-10 Mbps typical. 3G covers areas without 4G infrastructure. Fixed broadband limited to business customers and select residential areas. Internet penetration in regional cities falls between urban 84% and rural 63%. Smaller towns depend on 3G mobile or have no reliable connectivity. Government smart village initiatives target schools and community centers but deployment limited.
Rural Ethiopia
Lowest connectivity levels nationally with 75.7% of population living in rural areas but only 63% internet penetration. Telecommunications infrastructure almost entirely absent outside population centers. Villages depend on 3G networks where coverage exists or have no connectivity at all. Many rural cell sites use microwave radio backhaul instead of fiber, limiting capacity to under 5 Mbps typical speeds. Ethio Telecom added 130 rural mobile stations between July and December 2025 but 84.5 million rural Ethiopians remain mostly unconnected. Fixed broadband virtually non-existent. Mobile data bundles provide only internet access method where tower coverage permits. Power outages require battery backup for mobile devices. Distance from towers reduces signal strength and speeds. Government plans to bridge the 21 percentage point urban-rural gap but progress slow. By 2028 over 50 million Ethiopians expected to gain mobile internet through 4G expansion into underserved areas, primarily rural regions.
Internet Pricing in Ethiopia
Affordability
Fixed broadband in Ethiopia costs ETB 1,287 per month on average for fiber-to-the-home connections, representing 20% of median household income ETB 6,529 monthly. Fiber connectivity remains luxury for companies, institutions, and higher-income urbanites who can afford premium packages.
Mobile Data Pricing
Modem costs ETB 300 for copper and ETB 600 for fiber as one-time payment. Ethio Telecom covers installation free up to 500 meters from connection point. Mobile data bundles provide affordable internet access for most Ethiopians.
Entry-level packages cost ETB 5 for 45 MB valid one day or ETB 10 for 100 MB one day. Mid-tier packages cost ETB 700 for 10 GB valid thirty days. High-end packages cost ETB 1,800 for 3 GB valid thirty days.
Pay-as-you-go rates charge ETB 0.20 per MB on 2G and 3G networks. Recent price increases averaged 18% for data packages and 37% for voice services due to rising operational costs from floating exchange rate adoption. At average monthly salary ETB 7,052 or USD 55, internet costs consume significant portion of household budgets.
Low-earners making ETB 3,482 monthly struggle to afford anything beyond daily mobile bundles. High-earners at ETB 27,010 monthly can afford fiber connections and larger data packages. Rural households earning below national median face harsh tradeoff between connectivity and basic needs.
Safaricom entry in 2022 forced Ethio Telecom to cut mobile data tariffs by 70%, making packages more affordable. Competition continues to pressure prices downward as operators expand coverage.
Fixed Broadband Pricing
Small ISPs like Websprix and Winet serve niche markets with premium pricing for business customers. Fixed broadband remains out of reach for most households, leaving mobile data as primary internet access method.
Network Technology in Ethiopia
5G Rollout
5G launched in Ethiopia with Ethio Telecom's pre-commercial deployment in May 2022 at six sites in Addis Ababa using Huawei infrastructure.
Commercial 5G activated at 145 sites in September 2023 and expanded to 15 cities including Bale Robe and Assela by November 2024. 5G offers theoretical speeds above 100 Mbps but requires compatible handsets or routers and coverage limited to select areas. Users must be within 5G zones to access the network.
4G LTE provides the primary mobile internet technology with Ethio Telecom reaching 1,069 towns covering 74% of the population by late 2025. The operator added 278 new mobile stations between July and December 2025 including 130 in rural areas.
Mobile 4G delivers 7.3 Mbps average download speeds on Ethio Telecom and up to 32.81 Mbps on Safaricom Ethiopia in urban areas. Safaricom officially launched 4G services on October 6, 2022, ending Ethio Telecom's eight-decade monopoly and forcing 70% mobile data tariff cuts through competition.
Legacy Technologies
3G networks cover areas without 4G infrastructure, primarily smaller towns and rural areas. 3G delivers basic connectivity under 5 Mbps typical speeds. Pay-as-you-go charges ETB 0.20 per MB on 2G and 3G networks.
Fiber Deployment
Fiber-to-the-home adoption remains limited with only 669,000 fixed broadband subscribers nationwide as of 2023. Fiber deployment concentrates in select Addis Ababa neighborhoods and serves businesses, institutions, and high-income residential users.
A national fiber project aims to transform Addis Ababa's copper network within three years, cover major regional cities in five years, and extend to zonal and district cities. Ethio Telecom phased out new copper installations in 2024 to focus on high-speed fiber but legacy copper networks remain active.
Legacy Technologies
ADSL over copper delivers 5-15 Mbps where available. Internet adoption reached 29.5 million users by late 2025 representing 21.7% national penetration, up from lower rates in previous years. Social media and mobile-first services drive adoption.
Satellite and Emerging
By 2028 over 50 million Ethiopians are expected to gain mobile internet access as operators expand 4G into underserved areas. Government digital initiatives target schools and community centers to bridge the urban-rural divide but deployment limited. Starlink satellite internet may fill gaps in remote areas if regulatory approval granted.
How to Choose an ISP in Ethiopia
Several factors determine the best provider at your address in Ethiopia. Check coverage, compare pricing, and test speeds before signing a contract.
Check availability by location
Addis Ababa has widest choice with Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia offering mobile 4G, selective 5G at 145 sites, and fiber-to-the-home in select neighborhoods. Regional cities access 4G from Ethio Telecom in 1,069 towns covering 74% of population.
Compare fixed broadband options if available
Fiber-to-the-home costs ETB 1,287 average monthly representing 20% of median household income ETB 6,529. Modem costs ETB 600 one-time for fiber or ETB 300 for copper. Installation free up to 500 meters.
Consider mobile 4G or 5G as primary internet
access.
Test during peak evening hours before
committing.
Factor in household income
At median income ETB 6,529 monthly or average salary ETB 7,052, choose packages that fit 5-10% of budget. Low-earners at ETB 3,482 monthly can only afford daily mobile bundles.
Rural areas depend on 3G where tower coverage exists or have no connectivity. Visit Ethio Telecom and Safaricom websites to verify coverage at your address. Small ISPs like Websprix and Winet serve niche fiber markets in Addis Ababa.
Mobile provides most practical option for majority of Ethiopians. Ethio Telecom delivers 7.3 Mbps average mobile speeds with 97% population coverage. Safaricom Ethiopia records 32.81 Mbps median download in areas with network access.
Internet slows during congestion between 7pm and 11pm in urban areas. Run speed test to verify real-world performance matches advertised speeds. Compare Ethio Telecom and Safaricom coverage and speeds at your specific location.
High-earners at ETB 27,010 monthly can consider fiber connections. Rural households below median struggle to afford consistent connectivity. Competition between operators drove 70% mobile tariff cuts making data more accessible. Calculate cost per GB for data-heavy usage patterns.
Compare Internet Providers in Ethiopia
The table below shows top providers by connection type and maximum advertised speed.
| Provider | Type | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Safaricom Ethiopia | mobile | 150 Mbps |
| Ethio Telecom | fiber | 100 Mbps |
Test Your Connection Speed
Run a speed test to verify your Ethiopia provider delivers advertised speeds. Test during peak evening hours for the most accurate results.
Internet Providers in Ethiopia
Compare internet speeds across major providers in Ethiopia. Click on a provider to test your connection.
Ethiopia Speed Test FAQ
How do I test my internet speed in Ethiopia?
Click the Start Test button on this page to measure your download speed, upload speed, and ping latency. For accurate results on fixed broadband connections, connect your device directly to the router using an ethernet cable. Close background apps including streaming services, downloads, and cloud backups. Test during peak hours between 7pm and 11pm when networks are busiest to see real-world performance under congestion. The test takes about 30 seconds. Compare your result against your plan's advertised speed. If you consistently get below 70% of your paid speed, contact Ethio Telecom or Safaricom Ethiopia to troubleshoot or consider switching providers where multiple options exist. Power outages can affect results so ensure stable electricity during testing. Mobile users should test in multiple locations to account for signal strength variations.
What is the average internet speed in Ethiopia?
Ethiopia's median fixed broadband download speed is 9.01 Mbps as of beginning 2025, with significant variation by provider and location. Safaricom Ethiopia leads broadband performance at 32.81 Mbps median download, more than doubling Ethio Telecom's 13.76 Mbps median. Mobile internet averages 7.3 Mbps download and 6 Mbps upload on Ethio Telecom's 4G network. Addis Ababa records the fastest speeds with fiber-to-the-home delivering 25-100 Mbps in select neighborhoods and 5G coverage at 145 sites offering theoretical speeds above 100 Mbps. Regional cities receive 5-15 Mbps on 4G and ADSL connections. Rural areas accessing 3G networks get under 5 Mbps typical speeds. Speeds vary significantly by time of day with evening congestion reducing performance 20-30%. Run a speed test to see how your connection compares against national averages and your provider's advertised speeds.
Which ISP has the fastest internet in Ethiopia?
Safaricom Ethiopia recorded the fastest broadband internet speeds in 2025 with 32.81 Mbps median download, more than double Ethio Telecom's 13.76 Mbps median performance. For mobile internet specifically, Ethio Telecom delivers 7.3 Mbps average download and 6 Mbps upload on 4G networks covering 1,069 towns and 74% of the population. Ethio Telecom operates the only commercial 5G network launched September 2023 at 145 sites in Addis Ababa and expanded to 15 cities by November 2024. 5G offers theoretical speeds above 100 Mbps but requires compatible devices and coverage limited to select areas. Actual performance varies by location, the plan you select, network congestion during peak hours 7pm-11pm, and distance from towers. Addis Ababa benefits from competition between both operators. Regional cities primarily access Ethio Telecom with Safaricom focusing initial deployment on major urban centers. Rural areas depend on Ethio Telecom's 3G where tower coverage exists.
Is 5G available in Ethiopia?
Yes, 5G launched in Ethiopia when Ethio Telecom activated pre-commercial service in May 2022 at six sites in Addis Ababa using Huawei infrastructure. Commercial 5G followed in September 2023 at 145 sites in the capital and expanded to 15 cities including Bale Robe and Assela by November 2024. 5G offers theoretical speeds above 100 Mbps but requires compatible 5G-capable handsets or routers and users must be within coverage zones. Deployment focuses on select areas of major cities with plans to expand further. Safaricom Ethiopia has not yet launched 5G but focuses on 4G expansion. 5G coverage remains limited compared to 4G which reaches 1,069 towns and 74% of population. Check with Ethio Telecom for 5G availability at your specific location and verify your device supports 5G bands used in Ethiopia before purchasing 5G packages.
How much does internet cost in Ethiopia?
Fixed broadband in Ethiopia costs ETB 1,287 per month on average for fiber-to-the-home connections, representing 20% of median household income ETB 6,529 monthly. Modem costs ETB 600 one-time for fiber or ETB 300 for copper, with installation free up to 500 meters. Mobile data bundles provide more affordable access with entry-level packages at ETB 5 for 45 MB valid one day or ETB 10 for 100 MB one day. Mid-tier packages cost ETB 700 for 10 GB valid thirty days. High-end packages cost ETB 1,800 for 3 GB valid thirty days. Pay-as-you-go charges ETB 0.20 per MB on 2G and 3G networks. Recent price increases averaged 18% for data and 37% for voice due to rising operational costs from floating exchange rate adoption. At average monthly salary ETB 7,052 or USD 55, internet represents significant household expense. Safaricom entry in 2022 forced Ethio Telecom to cut mobile tariffs by 70%, making data more accessible for most Ethiopians who rely on mobile as primary internet access method.