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Ethiopia Selects Huawei To Introduce 4G Across Capital

Ethiopia Selects Huawei To Introduce 4G Across Capital

From Business Day Live

Ethiopia’s state-run Ethio Telecom said it had picked Huawei Technologies, the world’s second-largest telecommunications equipment manufacturer, to roll out a high-speed 4G network across the capital, Addis Ababa.

The introduction of the service is part of a $1.6-billion deal signed in July and August between the Ethiopian firm, Huawei and ZTE, China’s second-biggest telecoms equipment manufacturer, to expand cellphone infrastructure throughout the Horn of Africa country.

“In terms of allocation, Huawei will be responsible for the expansion of 4G in Addis Ababa, including other mobile services — the 2G, 3G, IP and the like,” said Abdurahim Ahmed, Ethio Telecom’s head of communications.

Abdurahim said that the allocation plan was recently finalized. “It is expected to benefit more than 400,000 subscribers.

“Within an eight-month period, the expansion project of Addis Ababa, including 4G, will be completed.”

The deal, signed by ZTE in August and Huawei a month before, will enable Ethiopia to double subscribers to more than 50-million by 2015 and expand 3G service throughout the country.

The contract was awarded under a long-term loan package to be paid over a 13-year period with an interest rate of “less than 1 percent,”  Abdurahim said.

Written by Aaron Maasho/Read more at Business Day Live.