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Ethiopia

Which mobile networks does an eSIM use in Ethiopia?

The local networks your handset registers on, and the technology each one runs.

Author: Bob Kanokphon ThongdeeCo-founderReviewed by: Porsch Kunnipat Siramanakul

Quick answer

Ethiopia has 2 networks a roaming handset can register on (Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Ethiopia), running 4G/LTE. The phone picks whichever mast is strongest where you are standing rather than staying tied to one of them.

Ethiopia plansData estimatorAll operators

Networks in Ethiopia

NetworkTechnologyNotes
Ethio Telecom4G—
Safaricom Ethiopia4G—

How to read this table

These are the licensed operators that own masts in Ethiopia, not resale brands riding on someone else's network. A roaming handset picks one of them automatically and may move between them during the day. The technology column says what that operator runs, not that every square kilometre gets the highest tier on the list.

We do not publish a band-by-band list per mast: that data changes faster than a page can keep up with, and most handsets sold since 2020 already cover the main bands in every region. What actually decides whether this works for you is whether the phone takes an eSIM and whether it is carrier unlocked.

What the plan can actually promise

The plan guarantees the right to register on partner networks in Ethiopia and the volume of data you bought. The speed you get in any given minute depends on the nearest mast, how many people are on it, and what stands between you and it. No seller can promise a speed figure at a specific spot, and we do not.

If you land with no service, check three things in order: is data roaming switched on for the eSIM line, is that line set as the one carrying data, and have you toggled airplane mode once. Those three fix nearly every case that reaches our support desk.

The network list is compiled from public operator and regulator information. It is reference data, not a guarantee of coverage at any specific location.

Plans that run on these networks

Ethiopia 20GB 30 days

Safaricom

Works in Ethiopia · your IP shows as United Kingdom

Fixed
Data
20GB
Validity
30 days
Hotspot
Yes
Technology
3G / 4G / 5G
  • 5G ready
  • Hotspot
  • Top-up ready

Validity starts on first connection at the destination

  • Network risk
  • One network
from$88.90$84.45
Details

Ethiopia 10GB 30 days

Safaricom

Works in Ethiopia · your IP shows as United Kingdom

Fixed
Data
10GB
Validity
30 days
Hotspot
Yes
Technology
3G / 4G / 5G
  • 5G ready
  • Hotspot
  • Top-up ready

Validity starts on first connection at the destination

  • Network risk
  • One network
from$47.90$45.50
Details

Ethiopia 10GB per day

Safaricom

Works in Ethiopia · your IP shows as United Kingdom

Daily
Data
10GB per day
Validity
sold per day, up to 365 days
Hotspot
Yes
Technology
3G / 4G / 5G
  • 5G ready
  • Hotspot

Validity starts on first connection at the destination

  • Network risk
  • Daily, no top-up
from$42.90$40.75
Details

FAQ

Which mobile networks does an eSIM use in Ethiopia?+

Ethiopia has 2 networks a roaming handset can register on (Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Ethiopia), running 4G/LTE. The phone picks whichever mast is strongest where you are standing rather than staying tied to one of them.

Can I choose which network the eSIM uses?+

You can switch to manual network selection in the handset's settings, but in most cases you should not: automatic selection is what moves you to a stronger mast as you travel. If one specific spot is unusually bad, picking a network by hand there is a reasonable temporary fix. Set it back to automatic once you leave.

Why is there no 5G here?+

We do not record generally available 5G for roaming lines in Ethiopia; 4G/LTE is what to expect, and it carries everyday use (maps, messaging, video calls) without trouble. If a 5G icon does appear, treat it as a bonus rather than something the plan promises.

Is the network my phone shows the same as the one on the plan?+

The name on your screen is the local network your handset is registered to at that moment, and it can change during the day as you move. That is how roaming works and does not mean the plan is wrong. What matters is that you have signal and data, not which operator name appears.

Where does coverage thin out in Ethiopia?+

The pattern is the same almost everywhere: the network follows people and roads. Cities and main routes are solid, and coverage thins in mountains, forest, open water and minor roads, in proportion to how few people live there, not to how far from the capital you are. Download an offline map of any stretch you plan to drive outside the cities.