Ethio telecom is to switch its service into 3G network so has to provide its customers a ‘modern and efficient’ service, according to The Reporter. 3G or 3rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services including wide-area wireless voice telephone, mobile Internet access, video calls and mobile TV, all in a mobile environment. The current Ethio telecom 3G network will support 300 thousand subscribers.

Existing Ethio telecom costumers can upgrade to 3G network by paying 250 subscription fees, which entitle them to a onetime 200 megabytes of free internet access as a reward. Moreover, 3G clients will pay service charge similar to that of 2G service for voice call and SMS services.

The fist phase of 3G network only covers those customers in Addis Ababa with possible future expansion to the other regions of the country. That means, 3G customers who travel outside of Addis Ababa will get an automatic 2G service without any service interruption.

Customers need to have mobile phone that is capable of hosting 3G technology. Ethio Telecom is providing various mobile apparatuses that are compatible with 3G technology.

The State-owned Ethio telecom is the sole telecommunication service provider in Ethiopia.