Internet Providers Compared: Ethio Telecom vs Safaricom Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s internet landscape is transforming. For decades, Ethio Telecom held a monopoly over telecommunications in the country. But in recent years, a new competitor entered the scene — Safaricom Ethiopia — bringing with it a wave of hope for faster, cheaper, and more reliable internet access.
With over 120 million people and increasing demand for mobile data, streaming, remote work, and e-commerce, the battle between Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia is not just about price — it’s about performance, innovation, and freedom of choice.
If you’re confused about which provider is better for your internet needs, this 2025 comparison guide will help. We’ll cover everything: speed, coverage, price, customer service, packages, mobile money, and user experience — all tailored to Ethiopian users.
1. Background of the Providers
Ethio Telecom
- Founded: 2010 (but based on the original ETC from 1894)
- Ownership: Fully state-owned
- Status: The dominant and oldest telecom provider in Ethiopia
- Network: Offers 2G, 3G, 4G, and now rolling out 5G in major cities
Ethio Telecom serves over 70 million subscribers, making it one of the largest telecom companies in Africa. It recently launched TeleBirr, a mobile money service, and started expanding 5G coverage.
Safaricom Ethiopia
- Launched: Officially began commercial operations in October 2022
- Ownership: Safaricom PLC (Kenya) with backing from Vodafone, Vodacom, and Sumitomo Corporation
- Status: First private telecom company licensed to operate in Ethiopia
- Network: Offers 2G, 3G, 4G (primarily in urban areas), testing 5G
Safaricom Ethiopia is quickly gaining attention for its competitive pricing, M-PESA mobile money service, and quality customer care.
2. Network Coverage and Speed
Ethio Telecom
- Coverage: Nationwide — even in rural areas
- 4G: Available in most major towns and cities
- 5G: Being introduced in Addis Ababa and a few high-traffic zones
- Speed: Decent on 4G in urban areas, but slow and inconsistent in rural regions
Pros:
- Available almost everywhere
- Reliable voice service even in remote towns
Cons:
- Internet speed varies significantly by region
- Slower during peak hours
Safaricom Ethiopia
- Coverage: Expanding rapidly, mostly in major cities like Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Bahir Dar, Adama, and Hawassa
- 4G: Strong and consistent in supported areas
- 5G: Pilot testing started in Addis Ababa and parts of Oromia
- Speed: Typically faster than Ethio Telecom in supported areas
Pros:
- Stable 4G speeds in cities
- Faster downloads and streaming
Cons:
- Limited rural coverage (as of 2025)
- Still building infrastructure in some regions
Winner: Safaricom for speed, Ethio Telecom for wider coverage
3. Internet Packages and Pricing
Let’s compare monthly mobile data packages as of 2025.
Ethio Telecom Mobile Data
| Package | Price (ETB) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Mini | 5 ETB | 100 MB | 24 hrs |
| Monthly Basic | 199 ETB | 5 GB | 30 days |
| Monthly Medium | 349 ETB | 10 GB | 30 days |
| Monthly Pro | 549 ETB | 20 GB | 30 days |
Pros:
- More variety
- Offers combo packages with calls, SMS
Cons:
- Speed throttling on cheaper plans
Safaricom Ethiopia Mobile Data
| Package | Price (ETB) | Data | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Starter | 7 ETB | 150 MB | 24 hrs |
| Monthly Starter | 149 ETB | 4 GB | 30 days |
| Monthly Medium | 299 ETB | 8 GB | 30 days |
| Monthly Max | 499 ETB | 25 GB | 30 days |
Pros:
- More data per birr
- Faster browsing and downloads
Cons:
- Limited network reach can reduce real-world usability
Winner: Safaricom for value, Ethio Telecom for variety and coverage
4. Customer Support and User Experience
Ethio Telecom
- Support Channels: Call center (994), physical shops, and website
- App: My Ethiotel – lets you check balance, buy packages, and manage accounts
- Mobile Money: TeleBirr – send/receive money, pay bills
Pros:
- Many service centers across the country
- Easy to get help offline
Cons:
- Long wait times at customer service centers
- App bugs occasionally reported
Safaricom Ethiopia
- Support Channels: Call center (700), WhatsApp, social media, and shops
- App: MySafaricom Ethiopia – well-designed, smooth UX
- Mobile Money: M-PESA Ethiopia – launched in 2023 and gaining traction
Pros:
- Fast, responsive customer support
- Clean, user-friendly mobile app
- M-PESA is reliable and easy to use
Cons:
- Still fewer service centers in rural areas
Winner: Safaricom Ethiopia
5. Mobile Money: TeleBirr vs. M-PESA Ethiopia
TeleBirr (Ethio Telecom)
- Over 34 million registered users
- Send money, pay bills, buy airtime, and receive salaries
- Integration with banks like CBE and Dashen
Strengths:
- Widely accepted
- No internet needed
M-PESA Ethiopia (Safaricom)
- Used across Kenya, now expanding in Ethiopia
- Great for freelancers, e-commerce users, and cross-border payments
- Integrated with Airtel Money and bank accounts in the future
Strengths:
- Globally trusted
- Easy international money transfers coming soon
Winner: TeleBirr for reach, M-PESA for innovation
6. Business and Freelancer Use
Freelancers, small business owners, and remote workers care about speed, reliability, and international payment access.
- Ethio Telecom is more stable for rural and national clients
- Safaricom Ethiopia offers faster speeds, better app support, and upcoming cross-border M-PESA payments
Ideal Setup for Professionals:
- Use Ethio Telecom SIM for backup and calls
- Use Safaricom SIM for work, data, and payments
7. Device Compatibility
- Most unlocked phones in Ethiopia support both SIM cards.
- Safaricom uses the 800/1800 MHz bands, so make sure your device is compatible.
- Ethio Telecom supports most phones by default.
Check your phone settings to enable dual SIM if you want to use both networks.
8. User Reviews (Based on Forums and Surveys)
| Feature | Ethio Telecom | Safaricom Ethiopia |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Coverage | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Mobile App | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Customer Service | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Package Pricing | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mobile Money | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Rural Availability | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Summary: Safaricom wins in user satisfaction where available, but Ethio Telecom is still trusted for broad access.
Final Verdict: Which is Better in 2025?
| Category | Best Provider |
|---|---|
| Overall Coverage | Ethio Telecom |
| Internet Speed | Safaricom Ethiopia |
| Data Package Value | Safaricom Ethiopia |
| Mobile Money Reach | Ethio Telecom (for now) |
| App and User Interface | Safaricom Ethiopia |
| Customer Experience | Safaricom Ethiopia |
| Rural Users | Ethio Telecom |
| Urban Professionals | Safaricom Ethiopia |
Conclusion
In 2025, Ethiopia’s internet service market finally offers a choice. Ethio Telecom still dominates in nationwide access and long-standing trust. However, Safaricom Ethiopia is pushing innovation, fair pricing, and excellent user experience.
For most Ethiopians in cities like Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, or Bahir Dar, using both SIM cards might be the smartest move. Use Ethio Telecom for stable calls and rural coverage, and Safaricom for high-speed browsing and digital payments.