teleStream is an internet-based video streaming service launched by Ethio Telecom, Ethiopia's state-owned telecommunications operator, on 20 February 2026.[1] The platform delivers live television and video-on-demand content over the company's fiber, 4G, and 5G infrastructure, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional satellite television services.[2]
Type of site | Video streaming platform |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 20, 2026 |
| Headquarters | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, |
| Area served | Ethiopia |
| Owner | Ethio Telecom |
| Key people | Frehiwot Tamiru (CEO, Ethio Telecom) |
| Industry | Streaming media, Entertainment |
| Products | Live TV streaming, Video on demand |
| URL | www |
| Registration | Required |
| Current status | Active |
History
editEthio Telecom first announced plans to enter the streaming market in 2022 as part of its "LEAD" strategy, issuing requests for proposals for video streaming platform development.[3] The service was officially launched on 20 February 2026 at the Science Museum in Addis Ababa, alongside a "Zero-Touch Digital System" for fixed broadband service delivery.[4]
The launch formed part of Ethio Telecom's "Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028" strategy, which aims to accelerate digital inclusion and position the company as a provider of advanced digital solutions beyond basic telecommunications connectivity.[5]
Features and content
editAt launch, teleStream offered access to over 60 live television channels and more than 350 video-on-demand titles.[6] The platform emphasizes locally relevant content aligned with Ethiopian culture, values, and ethics, alongside international programming.[7]
The service includes parental control features and requires no satellite dish installation, operating instead through fixed broadband Wi-Fi connections.[8] Content is hosted on Ethio Telecom's local telecloud infrastructure, which the company states reduces latency and ensures service stability regardless of weather conditions.[9]
Technology and access
editUsers can access teleStream through fixed broadband connections or via SIM-enabled set-top boxes (STBs) that convert non-smart televisions into smart devices.[10] The set-top box was initially priced at approximately 1,600 Ethiopian birr.[11]
Subscription options include a one-off payment of 7,950 birr (discounted 33% from the regular price) or a 12-month installment plan requiring an initial payment of 1,590 birr followed by monthly payments.[12] The service is bundled with fixed broadband packages and can be activated through the Telebirr SuperApp, Ethio Telecom's mobile money and digital service platform.[13]
Strategic objectives
editEthio Telecom designed teleStream to reduce Ethiopia's dependence on foreign satellite services, which require foreign currency expenditure for leasing.[14] By hosting broadcasts on local infrastructure, the platform aims to eliminate forex losses associated with satellite leases while supporting national digital sovereignty.[15]
The platform targets multiple sectors beyond residential entertainment. Educational institutions can utilize teleStream for remote learning and digital libraries, while healthcare facilities can distribute awareness information.[16] Hotels and guest houses represent a key business segment, as the service allows these establishments to provide entertainment to guests without maintaining multiple satellite dishes.[17]
Infrastructure requirements
editThe service relies on Ethio Telecom's fiber network, which had reached 14,413 kilometers of metro fiber deployment by early 2026, with the capacity to serve 1.2 million customers.[18] The company has migrated over 79,000 customers from legacy copper networks to fiber as part of its ongoing copper switch-off initiative.
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "February 20, 2026 – Ethio telecom". www.ethiotelecom.et. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom takes on satellite TV with video streaming service". developingtelecoms.com. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom To Venture Into Streaming Service". www.thereporterethiopia.com. 1 October 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom Launches teleStream Digital Entertainment Service to Advance Digital Ethiopia Strategy". www.ebc.et. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio telecom Enters Streaming Market". cioafrica.co. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio telecom Launches teleStream to Transform Ethiopia's Digital Entertainment". www.thefastmode.com. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio telecom Launches teleStream and Zero-Touch Broadband Under Digital 2028 Strategy". techafricanews.com. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio telecom Accelerates Digital Transformation with teleStream and Zero-Touch Broadband". www.telecomreviewafrica.com. 24 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio telecom Launches teleStream, Unveils Zero-Touch Fiber Broadband System". www.stockmarket.et. 21 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom launches 'teleStream'". www.samenacouncil.org. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom Enters Streaming Business With teleStream". shega.co. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "teleStream". www.ethiotelecom.et. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio telecom Rolls Out teleStream as National Digital Content Platform Under 'Next Horizon Digital and Beyond 2028' Roadmap". www.fanamc.com. 21 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio telecom Unveils teleStream, Pioneering New Era for Digital Entertainment". www.ena.et. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom launches telestream video service". www.telecompaper.com. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "teleStream Debuts as Ethio Telecom Drives Ethiopia's Digital Transformation". pulseofafrica.info. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom Launches TeleStream: Brings The Future Of Entertainment To Ethiopian Households". www.thereporterethiopia.com. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ethio Telecom Launches 'Telestream'; Shifts Into Digital Media Distribution". techlabari.com. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.