Ethio Telecom has officially launched teleStream, an internet-based TV and video streaming platform that aims to compete with satellite television providers via the operator's enormous customer base.
CEO Frehiwot Tamiru launched the platform in Addis Ababa, which includes over 60 live channels and 350 on-demand titles accessible via fixed broadband or mobile SIM, as well as a set-top box that turns regular TVs into smart devices.
“teleStream is more than entertainment. It is a national digital platform for education, health, public services, and Ethiopian content creators,” Tamiru said at the launch, positioning it as part of the company’s “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy.
The service integrates with telebirr for payments and requires the national ID system Fayda, embedding streaming into Ethiopia’s broader digital economy and linking users’ viewing habits with secure digital transactions.
The state-owned operator is leaning on its 50 million mobile broadband subscribers, 943,000 fixed broadband users, and 58.6 million telebirr accounts to drive rapid adoption.
Daily data traffic across its networks reaches 12.95 petabytes, ensuring a large addressable audience for teleStream from day one. The telecoms giant has also produced 10 000 teleStream units locally, signalling a parallel push into device manufacturing alongside content delivery.
Ethio Telecom’s new offering pits it directly against established satellite operators like Fayda TV, Kana TV, and Ethiopian Satellite Broadcasting, which dominate Ethiopia’s premium TV market.
By hosting content locally on its telecloud infrastructure, teleStream promises low-latency, high-quality streaming while reducing reliance on costly foreign satellite infrastructure, a key competitive advantage for the ambitious new entrant.
Beyond entertainment, teleStream is positioned as a tool for businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies, offering a cost-effective distribution channel for Ethiopian content and services.
Hotels and other hospitality businesses can now provide high-quality entertainment without multiple satellite dishes, while schools and universities can leverage the platform for remote learning and digital libraries.
With 14,413 km of metro fiber, 4G covering 79% of the population, and 5G in 28 cities, Ethio Telecom is confident the platform will redefine content consumption, expand digital inclusion, and solidify its leadership in Ethiopia’s evolving telecom and media landscape.
By combining streaming, broadband, and integrated payments, teleStream sets the stage for a new era of digital services and positions the operator as a central hub for both entertainment and national digital infrastructure.
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