Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/05/2014 -- Executive summary

Privatisation of incumbent ETC stalled again

This annual report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments in Ethiopia's telecommunications market. Subjects covered include:

- Key statistics;
- Market and industry overviews;
- Detailed profile of the monopoly telecom provider in the country;
- Plans for privatisation and market liberalisation;
- Government policies affecting the telecoms industry;
- Regulatory environment;
- Infrastructure development;
- Convergence (voice/data, fixed/wireless/mobile).
- Internet and broadband development and pricing trends;
- Mobile data services;
- 3G mobile broadband services and pricing;
- Average Revenue per User (ARPU);

Local mobile phone manufacturing, including smartphones.Ethiopia is one of the last countries in Africa allowing its national telco, Ethio-Telecom (ETC) a monopoly on all telecom services including fixed, mobile, internet and data communications. This monopolistic control has stifled innovation and retarded expansion. A recently expired management contract with France Telecom dramatically improved performance for ETC though there remain weaknesses in quality of service. Although the contract was considered a first step towards privatisation and the introduction of competition, the government in 2013 again rejected calls to privatise the incumbent and allow market competition, citing the need for higher profits from the company to subsidise an unrelated railway project.

View Full Report Details and Table of Contents

With a population of almost 90 million, Ethiopia is Africa's second most populous country. Although a number of major contracts have been signed with Chinese vendors since into 2013, the country's mobile penetration remains one of the lowest in the world. Nevertheless, growth is strong and enormous growth potential remains. Albeit from a low base, mobile penetration is rising and the sector continues to benefit from the poor fixed-line infrastructure which has promoted mobile alternatives as the only viable, or robust, telecoms option in many areas.

The countrys broadband market is also set for a boom following massive improvements in international bandwidth, national fibre backbone infrastructure and 3G mobile broadband services. After years of low uptake due to prohibitive pricing, retail prices are now comparable to other markets in the region that are already more developed.

Market highlights:

- Value-added services (VAS) licences issued;
- Ethio-Telecom transforms under management contract with France Telecom;
- Strong revenue growth despite drastic price cuts;
- The fastest growing mobile market in Africa;
- Local handset manufacturing, including smartphones;
- International internet bandwidth has increased more than six-fold in two years;
- Significant improvements in broadband affordability;

About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is a leading distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff is always available to help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget. For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

Browse all Fixed Networks research reports at Fast Market Research

You may also be interested in these related reports:

- Australia - Telecoms Industry - Statistics and Forecasts
- New Zealand - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
- United Kingdom - Telecoms, IP Networks, Digital Media and Forecasts
- India - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
- Chile - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
- Taiwan - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
- Spain - Telecoms, IP Networks, Digital Media and Forecasts
- Finland - Telecoms, IP Networks, Digital Media and Forecasts
- Peru - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts
- Sweden - Telecoms, IP Networks, Digital Media and Forecasts