Ethiopia's sole mobile operator Ethio Telecom launched a 4G network in the country's capital Addis Ababa at the weekend.

According to a report the launch of the 4G network follows a three month trial period of the new network by the state-owned telco.

"The 4G network service is the latest and fastest version of third generation network service 3G, which is a fresh technology in the world," said communication and information technology minister, Debretsion Gebremichael.

"The 4G broadband network service shows a significant improvement in the sector and satisfy customers who seek updated technology," Gebremichael added.

The Ethiopian telco has embarked on expansion plan to extend its services to the rest of the country, which has seen success in Addis Ababa.

Over the last two years the East African telco signed deals with global telecoms firms, namely Huawei, Ericsson and ZTE, to scale up its 3G network service across the country.

According to Gebremichael once the project of 3G installations in the country are finalised, Ethiopia will have 85% network coverage.

Last year a report from the Arab Advisors Group research body named Ethiopia as one of the top ten mobile phone markets to watch in Africa.

With a population of over 90 million Ethiopia's mobile penetration rate stands at 36.4%, according to Frost & Sullivan.

Frost & Sullivan researchers have forecast that combined revenues from the telecoms sectors in Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are expected to more than double from $1.78 billion to $3.27 billion by 2018.