Ethiopian Telecommunication Authority

Individual Licenses

• The Authority shall issue licenses for the operation and provision of Communications Service by way of class or individual licenses on such terms and conditions as the Authority may from time to time determine, including the term of the license.
• As per Telecommunications Licensing Directive No. 792/2021, Appendices (A) to (C), the Authority issues the following individual, and class licenses:
• Unified Telecommunications Service License, a License issued by the Authority for the planning, building, operating, and maintaining of any mobile and fixed networks that includes switched networks, irrespective of media (wireline – copper, fiber, cable, wireless, satellite), international gateways, internet exchanges and technology capable of offering any electronic communication services including, but not limited to, voice inclusive of internet telephony, data, text, and video embracing the principles of technology and service neutrality anywhere within Ethiopia, and to send and receive Telecommunications services to and from outside Ethiopia.
• Internet Exchange Point (IXP) License, License issued by the Authority for the provision of a physical infrastructure through which Internet networks (Autonomous Systems) exchange traffic.
• Class Licenses
• Internet Service Provider License, a License issued by the Authority for the provision of Internet access or service including VoIP services using own or leased Infrastructure.
• Data Center Service Provider License, a License issued by the Authority for the provision of services and facility-related components or activities that support the implementation, maintenance, operation, and leasing of a data center, which is an environment that provides processing, storage, networking, management and the distribution of data.
• Hosting Service Provider License, a License issued by the Authority for the provision of application services dedicated to providing hosting services for a pool of remote, internet-based Information Technology resources to organizations and individuals either at a data center or collocation facility.
• Call Center Service License, a License issued by the Authority for the provision of receiving or transmitting enquiries by telephone, web or email to be outsourced to other service centers for customer interaction with third party agencies.
• Telecommunications Value Added Service License, a License issued by the Authority for the provision of non-core telecommunications services of network providers or value-added mobile, internet or fixed services, including premium rated services, as determined by the Authority from time to time.
• Virtual Internet Service Providers (VISP) License, a License issued by the Authority for the provision of internet access service to customers by leasing internet bandwidth or internet network equipment of a Unified Telecommunications Operator Licensee or Internet Service Provider.
• Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) License, a License issued by the Authority entitling the holder to install and use a network of VSATs for closed user groups operated for non-commercial private use.
• Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) Landing Right Authorization, a landing right authorization issued by the Authority for the provision of satellite mobile voice, internet, and data services without having an infrastructure or network facility in Ethiopia.
• Private Networks and Closed User Group (CUG) Authorization, an authorization from the Authority to operate and use a Private Network within a Closed User Group in Ethiopia by obtaining telecommunications facilities from duly licensed Telecommunications operators to carry intra corporate data, voice, and video traffic. However, providers of Private Network Services cannot resell telecommunications services to the public.
• Satellite News Gathering (SNG) License, a License issued by the Authority for the operation of satellite news gathering equipment.
• Indoor Telecommunications Facilities Installation and Maintenance Works License, a License issued by the Authority for the installation or maintenance of Telecommunications cable, data network in a house, building, or campus and shall include installing Private Branch Exchange (PBX) and telephone distribution terminals.
• Outdoor Telecommunications Facilities Installation and Maintenance Works License, a License issued by the Authority for the installation and maintenance of Telecommunications towers, primary or secondary cables, last mile connectivity, optical fiber backbone, and fiber or fixed wireless networks establishing connectivity between the local exchange facility and the premises.

Radio Frequency Spectrum License

A License issued by the Authority granting the Licensee permission to use a portion of the radio frequency spectrum nationally or in a given geographical area for the provision of Telecommunications, broadcasting, or any other radio communication services, or for private use.
Land Mobile Radio (LMR) License

• Land Mobile radio (LMR) License is a License issued by the Authority to install and operate a fixed, mobile, and portable communication radio service that is operated for noncommercial private use.
• Short Code Numbers
• National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT)
• Microwave and Link Frequencies
• Broadcasting Frequencies
• Land Mobile Radio (LMR) License
• Radio Frequency Spectrum License
• National Postal Operator License
• Courier Service License