This investment, coupled with the telecom operator’s existing commitment of $600 million in building network towers, aims to expand its coverage to approximately 7,000 towers, reaching 85 percent of the population.
The telecom has already erected 2,000 towers in the past two years. Now it is aiming to add 5,000 more according to Wim Vanhelleputte, the CEO of Safaricom Telecommunications.
Safaricom has presently extended its reach to 26 large and medium cities, achieving a population coverage of 30%. The company expressed its dedication to break-even within the next two and a half years as well as being committed to delivering fast, high quality and reliable internet services in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia currently has two telecom companies operating; Ethio Telecom and Safaricom. The country, despite being open, has failed to attract any bid for a third wireless license.
