Ethio telecom Enters Streaming Market

Ethio telecom has launched a new internet-based content streaming platform, teleStream, alongside a fully digital “Zero-Touch” fixed broadband service system, marking a major step in the company’s national digital transformation drive.

The twin launch forms part of Ethio telecom’s “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, which aims to accelerate digital inclusion, create jobs and strengthen the company’s role in the continental digital economy. The company said the initiatives move it beyond traditional connectivity into advanced digital solutions and financial services powered by telebirr.

teleStream is designed to transform Ethiopia’s media and entertainment landscape by delivering content over the company’s fibre, 4G and 5G networks, supported by its local telecloud infrastructure and integrated telebirr payment ecosystem. The service currently offers more than 60 live TV channels and over 350 video-on-demand titles. It can be accessed via fixed broadband or SIM card using a Set Top Box that converts non-smart TVs into smart devices.

By hosting broadcasts locally on telecloud infrastructure, teleStream eliminates reliance on satellite dishes and reduces vulnerability to weather disruptions. The platform offers low latency, high-quality streaming and seamless payments through telebirr. It also includes parental controls and prioritises culturally relevant content tailored for Ethiopian families.

Ethio telecom said the platform opens new revenue and distribution opportunities for TV stations, production houses, filmmakers, writers, advertisers and digital content creators. It also reduces foreign currency expenditure on satellite leases by enabling local transmission. Businesses, particularly hotels and guest houses, can use the platform to provide high-quality entertainment services without maintaining multiple satellite dishes.

Beyond entertainment, teleStream is positioned as a channel for educational institutions, healthcare providers and government agencies to distribute learning materials, public health information and development content nationwide. The company added that hosting content locally strengthens digital sovereignty and supports smart city development by reducing satellite dish clutter.

In parallel, Ethio telecom is modernising its fixed broadband services through expanded fibre infrastructure and automation. The company has built over 14,000 kilometres of metro fibre and established capacity to serve 1.2 million customers. More than 79,000 users have already been migrated from legacy copper networks to fibre as part of its copper switch-off programme.

The rollout includes a new “Fiber to the Room” service, delivering high-speed internet directly to specific rooms within homes or offices, enabling advanced applications such as cloud services, artificial intelligence and smart home technologies.

A newly introduced digital Operations Support System now enables “Zero-Touch” service delivery, allowing customers to request new Wi-Fi or bundled services, register faults and make payments digitally via the telebirr SuperApp without visiting service centres. Access requires a National ID (Fayda) and a telebirr account.

Ethio telecom said the combined rollout of teleStream and upgraded broadband services supports Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2030 vision by expanding access to modern digital tools and driving inclusive economic growth. The company has invited customers to subscribe to teleStream bundled with fixed broadband through its service centres or via the telebirr SuperApp and Zemen Gebeya platforms.