2. Communication technology status

Figure 2: ETC transmission system chart

Source: ETC Transmission Division.

The domestic network backbone is

Ethiopia to more than 20 countries

based on microwave links, analogue

through the PANAFTEL microwave

or digital, connecting almost all the

network, in particular to other

regions of the country. Analogue lines

Southern and Eastern countries

are being gradually substituted with

(Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and

digital lines by ETC, which is

Tanzania). Most other international

developing several projects to extend

traffic is catered for via the Intelsat

digital links at least to the larger cities

satellite earth station which currently

in the country. To complete the

has a capacity of 12'000 channels.

national network, in 1994, four high 

capacity (comprising 60 channels)

For technical purposes, the Ethiopian

DOMSAT (domestic satellite) ground

territory has been divided by ETC into

stations were installed in Addis Abeba,

geographical zones, not all of which

Humera, Mekele and Gode.

correspond to administrative

divisions. The zone enjoying the

This network is relatively reliable, with

highest degree of connectivity is, as

most faults being due to power

mentioned, the capital city and its

interruptions. In Addis Abeba the

surroundings, followed by the

power network is down about once a

southern and the eastern zones,

week, while the situation is more

where other large cities, Nazareth,

difficult in the countryside. However,

Dire Dawa and Harar, are located. The

interruptions are usually brief, and the

least served area is in the southeast

rate of failure not dissimilar from that

(see  Figure 2): here, the territory

of neighbouring countries.

consists of irregular terrain which is

difficult to cover, and the largely

For its international terrestrial links,

nomadic population is too sparse to

ETC operates a 155Mbps digital

justify the cost of microwave links. In

microwave link to Sudan and a

these circumstances, satellite

34Mbps link to Djibouti. A link with

technology complements the

Somalia is planned. There is also an

terrestrial network: 100 Gilat FaraWay

old 60 channel analogue link with

8 channels and 120 Gilat DialAway

Kenya, while Eritrea's analogue link

(2 8 channels) VSATs, which can also

was severed during the war and has

be powered using diesel generators

not yet been restored. The circuits link

or solar panels, are currently in

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