Business: Safaricom Ethiopia switches network, services in Addis Abeba, holds national launch ceremony
Addis Abeba – Safaricom Ethiopia has today switched on its network and services in Addis Abeba and will hold a national launch ceremony, following a successful series of customer network pilots in 10 cities across Ethiopia.
The “07” network in Addis Abeba is offering customers 4G data, voice, and SMS services between Safaricom Ethiopia and Ethio Telecom customers, international calls worldwide and affordable phones for purchase. Customers will be able to purchase SIM cards, choose their preferred numbers, buy airtime and access dedicated customer support at the branded shops in the city at Garad Mall, Meskel Flower, Jemo, Bole (in front of Selam City Mall and CMC (beside Gast Mall) and all branded souks. Customers are able to contact the call center by dialing 700 and get services in 5 languages (Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Af-Somali, Tigrigna, and English).
The network is currently available in Dire Dawa, Harar, Haramaya, Adama, Bahir Dar, Bishoftu, Mojo, Debre Birhan, Awoday, Gonder and Addis Abeba and the national network rollout will continue to reach 14 additional cities by April 2023.
“We are pleased to switch on our network and start services in Addis Abeba, and to hold our national launch ceremony. Building on the phased city-by-city customer pilots, we continue to invest in providing network and services to further cities and parts of the country in accordance with the obligations of our Unified Telecommunications Services License. As we prepare to serve all Ethiopians and contribute to transforming lives for a digital future in Ethiopia, I would like to extend my gratitude for the immense support shown to us by the Government of Ethiopia, our shareholders, and partners.” said Anwar Soussa, CEO, Safaricom Ethiopia.
“Today I am delighted for the opportunity for Safaricom Ethiopia to start serving the people of Ethiopia with high-quality telecommunications services. We look forward to sharing our vision of Transforming Lives with Ethiopians, working together to uplift communities, and creating opportunities through the transformative power of the mobile phone. We are optimistic about how the technology and connectivity we are providing will contribute to a digital future and eventually transform people’s lives through digital solutions.” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC.
“The Global Partnership for Ethiopia consortium has worked tirelessly together with the Government of Ethiopia to reach this exciting moment in Ethiopia’s history as the country embarks upon a fully digitalized era. I would like to congratulate Safaricom Ethiopia and all management, staff and partners involved in reaching this milestone as we seek to connect every Ethiopian to the global digital economy. Ubiquitous network connectivity will positively transform the lives of Ethiopians throughout the country, notably by making various Tech for Good solutions and services available in health, education, manufacturing, agriculture and digital finance.” said Shameel Joosub, Group CEO, Vodacom.
Safaricom Ethiopia will be holding its national launch ceremony from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm EAT tonight with guests including representatives from Government, Safaricom Ethiopia’s shareholders, partners, and other stakeholders. Dispatch
