Ethiopia Internet Case Study

actor in the telecom field, both

This also means that independent

economically and politically.

VSAT connections and satellite phones

are not allowed, and call back is

The establishment of the agency and

illegal punishable by a fine and 2 to

of a set of licences and conditions is

5 years' imprisonment.

nevertheless important in view of the

entry of a new investor in the

With very few exceptions, VSAT

company. However, the question

terminals are used by ETC only, to

remains as to the control ETA will be

connect less served and rural areas.

able to exert over the operator in the

In the last few years, three entities

future, on which the effective and

obtained a special authorization to

rapid development of

have their independent VSAT link

telecommunication infrastructures

supplied by ETC: the Civil Servants

and services in the country will

College, which is running a distance

depend.

learning course, the UN Economic

Commission for Africa (UNECA), for

2.6

Sector liberalization

its Internet connection, and the World

Bank, in the framework of

As indicated above, franchise over

development activities in Ethiopia.

telecommunications services by ETC

is almost total, except for the sale of

Even in the above mentioned cases

customer premises equipment, which

where exceptional authorization has

even for private use, is still subject to

been granted, the beneficiaries have

ETA authorization. The use of any

to undergo several limitations: UNECA

telecommunication technology that

may use VSAT, but this is officially

would enable bypassing the local

owned by the Government. The use

network is strictly forbidden. At the

of the satellite link is restricted to

moment no licences are granted to

Internet and data transfers. Voice

private operators to sell or resell

communications must always pass

telecommunication services, whether

through the terrestrial network, and

basic or enhanced.

the connection may be used from

Table 6: Ethiopian telecommunication policy

Telecommunication services

Legal status

Provision of fixed or mobile

ETC has sole franchise. Forbidden for private companies unless in

telephone services, Internet

partnership with the Government (currently being investigated).

and data

Reselling of voice

Not allowed, but currently tolerated. There are many unadvertised phone

telecommunication services

shops in the country.

Reselling of Internet services

Not allowed for anyone except ETC to act as ISP.

Cybercafes

Not officially allowed, but there are several business centre type Internet

cafes in Addis Abeba, which are currently tolerated. Some have been

closed for openly selling VoIP services. There is not a clear policy on the

issue.

VSAT connections

Not possible for individuals or companies to have their independent VSAT

connection.

Voice over Internet (VoIP)

Not allowed. VoIP services are illegally provided by some cybercafes in

Addis Abeba.

Call back

Illegal, punishable with a fine and imprisonment.

Telecommunication equipment

Initially, ETC also had a monopoly on telephone handsets. Today, the

authorization of ETA is required to use or sell imported equipment.

Source: Council of Ministers Regulation No. 10/1996; Proclamation No. 49/1996; Proclamation No.116/1998;

Council of Ministers Regulation No. 47/1999. Online at http://www.telecom.net.et/~eta.

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