Ethio Telecom VS Safaricom: Who Offers the Best Data Packages in 2026?
Ethiopia’s telecom market has changed dramatically since 2022. For decades, Ethio Telecom was the only option. Then Safaricom Ethiopia entered the market, bringing competition and new investment. By September 2026, Safaricom had surpassed 15 million active subscribers and built more than 3,500 network sites, covering about 60% of the population.
For anyone living in Ethiopia or visiting for an extended period, the question is practical: which operator offers better data value in 2026? The answer depends on where you are, how much data you use, and what you need.
This comparison looks at the current data packages from both operators. It covers mobile bundles, unlimited plans, and fixed wireless options. Prices and offerings change frequently, so always verify current rates before purchasing.
The 2026 Telecom Landscape in Ethiopia
Both operators raised prices in late 2025 and early 2026, citing the depreciation of the Ethiopian birr and rising network costs. Safaricom announced an average 44% increase in mobile data prices, its largest adjustment since entering the market. Ethio Telecom described its increases as more conservative, keeping many low-cost bundles unchanged.
The price changes matter because they shift the value calculation. A package that was competitive in 2024 may no longer be the best choice in 2026. This section breaks down what each operator currently offers.
Ethio Telecom Data Packages
Ethio Telecom remains the dominant operator with approximately 86 million subscribers. Its network covers the widest area, including rural regions where Safaricom does not operate. This coverage advantage is significant for anyone traveling outside major cities.
Mobile Data Bundles
Ethio Telecom offers daily, weekly, and monthly packages through its app, telebirr, or by dialing *999#.
Daily packages start at 100 MB for 5 Birr and go up to 2 GB for 70 Birr. These are useful for light users who need occasional data.
Weekly packages range from 650 MB for 50 Birr to 15 GB for 500 Birr.
Monthly packages offer better value per gigabyte:
Ethio Telecom also offers night data packages with discounted rates, usable between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
Unlimited Plans and 5G Options
For heavy users, Ethio Telecom offers unlimited options. A monthly unlimited mobile package is available at 4,900 Birr, though fair usage policies may reduce speeds after certain thresholds.
The operator has expanded its 5G network significantly. As of 2026, 5G covers 33 towns with plans to reach 73 towns. 5G mobile packages include:
For fixed wireless internet, Ethio Telecom offers speed-based 5G plans starting at 50 Mbps for 6,550 Birr monthly.
International Visitor Plans
Tourists can purchase special SIM cards at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The weekly plan costs $10** and includes 30 GB of data, 300 minutes of local calls, and 300 SMS. The **monthly plan costs $40 and offers unlimited data, unlimited local calls, and 90 minutes of international voice.
Safaricom Ethiopia Data Packages
Safaricom entered Ethiopia in October 2022 as the first private telecom operator . Its network is entirely 4G-enabled and 5G-ready, but its coverage is more limited than Ethio Telecom’s, reaching about 60% of the population.
Mobile Data and Pricing Structure
Safaricom’s pricing is generally higher than Ethio Telecom’s for comparable data volumes. The December 2025 price hike affected all package categories, with daily bundles seeing per-unit cost increases between 34% and 67%.
One example: the popular daily 1 GB package rose from 30 Birr to 35 Birr, but the data allocation was cut by more than half . This effectively doubled the cost per gigabyte for price-sensitive users.
Weekly packages saw even steeper effective increases, with some per-unit costs rising by up to 82%.
Safaricom offers city data packages with 10 GB monthly plans ranging from 300 to 500 Birr, supporting hotspot sharing.
Fixed Wireless and Fiber Options
Safaricom has invested heavily in fixed broadband. In April 2026, it relaunched its Fiber-to-the-Home service under the Bet-WiFi brand.
Prepaid fiber broadband plans include:
- 10 Mbps: 4,000 Birr monthly
- 20 Mbps: 8,000 Birr monthly
- 50 Mbps: 17,000 Birr monthly
- 100 Mbps: 30,000 Birr monthly
Safaricom also announced plans for tokenized Wi-Fi with hourly and daily pay-as-you-go options, targeting users who need short-term heavy internet access.
For enterprise customers, Safaricom offers yearly unlimited data plans with a fair usage policy of 126 GB per month.
Coverage: Where Each Operator Works Best
Coverage is often the deciding factor in Ethiopia. Ethio Telecom has a significant advantage here. Its 4G network covers 82.23% of the population, with plans to expand to 95% by 2026/27. The operator owns most of the country’s fiber-optic network and mobile towers.
Safaricom’s network reaches about 60% of the population with over 3,500 sites. All its sites are 4G-enabled and 5G-ready, but the footprint is smaller.
What this means in practice:
- In Addis Ababa and major cities: Both operators work well.
- In regional towns: Ethio Telecom generally has better coverage.
- In rural areas: Ethio Telecom is often the only option.
- On major highways: Coverage varies, but Ethio Telecom is more reliable.
If you plan to travel outside major cities, Ethio Telecom is the safer choice for staying connected.
Price Comparison: Which Operator Offers Better Value?
For mobile data, Ethio Telecom generally offers better value per gigabyte. Its 10 GB monthly package costs 550 Birr, while Safaricom’s comparable 10 GB city package ranges from 300 to 500 Birr but may have restrictions.
However, the comparison is not straightforward. Safaricom’s prices vary by package type and region. Some users report that Safaricom offers competitive rates in cities where its network is strong.
For fixed wireless internet, Ethio Telecom’s 5G plans start at 6,550 Birr for 50 Mbps, while Safaricom’s prepaid fiber starts at 4,000 Birr for 10 Mbps. Ethio Telecom offers higher speeds at a higher price point.
Key value considerations:
- Light users: Ethio Telecom’s low-cost daily bundles (5 Birr, 10 Birr) are hard to beat.
- Heavy mobile users: Ethio Telecom’s monthly packages offer better rates per GB.
- Fixed internet: Safaricom’s entry-level fiber is cheaper, but Ethio Telecom offers faster speeds.
- Unlimited plans: Both operators have fair usage policies that may reduce speeds.
Practical Advice for Choosing an Operator
The best choice depends on your specific situation. Here is how to decide.
Choose Ethio Telecom if:
- You travel outside major cities or to rural areas
- You want the lowest-cost daily and weekly bundles
- You need reliable coverage across the country
- You use telebirr for mobile money services
Choose Safaricom if:
- You live and work primarily in Addis Ababa or major cities
- You want fiber internet for your home or business
- You need a second SIM for redundancy
- You prefer a private operator with newer network infrastructure
Consider having both: Some residents keep SIM cards from both operators. This provides backup coverage when one network is congested or unavailable.
Quick Tips
- Buy your SIM at the airport if you are a tourist. Ethio Telecom’s international visitor plans are available at Bole International Airport and include generous data allowances.
- Use telebirr for Ethio Telecom purchases. The app offers a 20% discount on data purchases, making it cheaper than buying through other channels.
- Check the Fair Usage Policy. Both operators reduce speeds after certain thresholds on “unlimited” plans. Read the terms before committing to a monthly package.
- Test coverage before switching. If you are considering Safaricom, buy a small package first to confirm the network works well in your area.
- Verify current prices before buying. Both operators raised prices in late 2025 and early 2026. Rates may change again, so check the official apps or websites for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which operator has better coverage in Ethiopia?
Ethio Telecom has broader coverage, reaching about 82% of the population with 4G and extending into rural areas where Safaricom does not operate. Safaricom covers about 60% of the population, concentrated in cities and major towns.
Are Ethio Telecom data packages cheaper than Safaricom?
In general, yes. Ethio Telecom’s monthly bundles offer lower prices per gigabyte, and its low-cost daily options (5 Birr, 10 Birr) remain unchanged after the 2026 price adjustments. Safaricom’s prices are higher for comparable mobile data volumes.
Can tourists buy a local SIM card in Ethiopia?
Yes. Ethio Telecom offers special international visitor plans at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The weekly plan costs $10 for 30 GB, and the monthly plan costs $40 for unlimited data and calls. You will need your passport to register the SIM.
Other Posts From EthioBrief
- Ethiopia Travel SIM Cards: A Complete Guide — How to buy, register, and top up a local SIM.
- Using telebirr: Ethiopia’s Mobile Money App — A practical guide for visitors and residents.
- Internet Access in Addis Ababa: Cafes, Coworking, and Wi-Fi — Where to find reliable connections.
- Ethiopia Travel Safety and Health — Practical advice including connectivity for emergencies.
- Living in Ethiopia: A Practical Guide for Expats — Long-term considerations including telecom services.
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