Ethio Telecom has launched teleStream, a cloud-based content streaming platform aimed at modernizing Ethiopia’s media landscape and reducing the country’s dependence on satellite television.

The platform offers more than 60 live television channels and over 350 video-on-demand titles, accessible via fixed broadband or mobile SIM cards.

The service is part of the operator’s broader “Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028” strategy, which seeks to expand digital services, foster economic growth, and strengthen Ethiopia’s presence in the continental digital ecosystem.

TeleStream is delivered over Ethio Telecom’s fibre, 4G, and 5G networks, supported by the telecloud infrastructure and the telebirr digital payment ecosystem.

A set-top box allows non-smart TVs to become smart, eliminating the need for satellite dishes and ensuring stable, low-latency streaming even in adverse weather conditions.Ethio telecom has inaugurated ‘teleStream’ which redefines the media landscape by transforming fixed broadband internet through fiber and Zero-touch digital operations

This strategy focuses on digital inclusion, job creation, and strengthening our presence in the continental digital landscape.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ethio telecom CEO, Frehiwot Tamiru emphasized that teleStream is positioned as a comprehensive national digital content platform that goes far beyond entertainment.

“It goes beyond mere entertainment,” Frehiwot said.

“We are building a massive platform that allows the education and health sectors, as well as various institutions, to easily digitize and market their offerings,” according to the CEO.

Frehiwot noted that teleStream is designed to empower key sectors including education, healthcare, tourism, cultural heritage, as well as governmental and non-governmental institutions.

TeleStream is an internet-based content streaming service set to transform the national media ecosystem alongside a ‘Zero-Touch Digital System’ that fully modernizes fixed broadband (Wi-Fi) service delivery, both of which are integral components of our strategy.

The service opens opportunities for media houses, content creators, advertisers, businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. By hosting broadcasts on domestic cloud infrastructure, teleStream provides a reliable, high-quality platform for national and international content, including news, entertainment, podcasts, and educational programming. The platform also prioritizes content that reflects Ethiopian culture, values, and ethics.

The service changes the country’s previous satellite dish dependency and provides a superior alternative by hosting broadcasts on our local telecloud, allowing for the transmission of national and international news, live programs, educational content, podcasts, and movies without buffering and in a coordinated, high-quality manner. It particularly prioritizes and makes accessible content based on our country’s culture, values, and ethics for Ethiopian families.