The Study on Telecommunications Development Plan, Ethiopia

CHAPTER 3 PRESENT STATUS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR

3.1 Telecommunication Services

3.1.1 Present Status of Telecommunication Services

(1) General

The Ethiopian Telecommunication Authority (ETA) was appointed under management of the
Ministry of Transport and Communications. In 1996, it had been separated from the said Ministry
under issue of the Proclamation No. 49, and then newly established as Ethiopian
Telecommunication Agency (ETA), which is responsible for the Ministry of Communications.

The Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC) has been established after getting
transferred from Ethiopian Telecommunications Agency (ETA) by effectuation of the
Proclamation No. 49.

ETC has been monopolistically providing nationwide telecommunications services since 1996
consisting of:
1) Telephone and telegraph services
2) Public telephone service
3) Cellular mobile service
4) Telex service (Domestic)
5) Public Data Network (Data Transmission Leased Line and Internet)
6) International service
7) TV Program Transmission Service
(2) Status of Telecommunications Services

(a) Telephone Service

The provision of nationwide telephone service to fulfill the waiting demand is current core
activity for ETC and has been accelerated recent years. The number of subscriber lines (direct
exchange lines) in whole country is approximately 291,000 as of the end of 2001 and brings
0.45 per 100 inhabitants, which is comparatively lower than world average. Capacity of
automatic exchange totals 512,000 in whole country, in which analog switch contains 19. From
a viewpoint of accessibility to the telephone service, most of the regions except certain areas
(including rural areas) have been covered to some extent by the telephone network. At present,
the effort for enhancement of telephone accessibility has been made up to 197 rural towns.
However, the rural communication services are still insufficient for the residents in many remote
areas. ETC is planning to increase the rural telephone service at 197 villages in the 8th 5 year
Telecommunication Development Plan (2000-2004).

ETC will prepare 540,000 additional lines. The total lines will reach 800,000 lines in the year
2004. Comparing the number of switch facility and subscriber lines, subscriber lines are not
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sufficient. To increase the penetration ratio it is a key to concentrate extensively providing more
subscriber lines.

The following graph data are extracted from ETC 8th 5 year Telecommunications Development
Plan at present and target in 2004. It is noted that there are some discrepancies between the
graph data and ETC annual statistical bulletin.

DIRECT EXCHANGE LINES (DEL) 1998-2004 EXCHANGE CAPACITY 1998-2004

1000000 1000000

800000 800000
600000 600000
400000 400000
200000 200000
0 0

Figure 3.1-1 Direct Exchange Lines Figure 3.1-2 Exchange Capacity

PUBLIC STATION & EXCHANGES 1998-2004

1000

800

600

400

200

Source: ETC 8th Telecom Development Plan

Figure 3.1-3 Public Station and Exchange

At present 248 DRCS stations are in operation. The Eighth 5-Year Development Plan expands
rural areas up to approx. 140 additionally.

For the existing public call office (PCO), it is worth trying to have fax service and the Internet
access service. These services will empower to promote employment opportunity as below
mentioned.

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 (Example-1)
In Senegal, there are 6,000 private PCOs havingontelephone
The Study and fax facilities.
Telecommunications Development Plan, Ethiopia
From 1992 to 1995, it created 4,000 employments with average annual income of US$ 5,500.
Private telephone operator has got US$ 4,000.
(Example-2)
Pandjab state in India, there are 10,200 Teleports (Private PCOs) servicing with telephone and fax.
It created 10,000 employments. 25% of employees are women. Average annual income was
US$ 9,300.
Source: JICA ITC Document, April 2001

(b) Public Telephone Service

ETC is providing public payphones in a nationwide basis. Since the start of the public payphone
service, ETC established 935 coin telephones as of 2001, and starting card phone system in
early 2002. However, the number of public telephones is insufficient. ETC planned 4,500
additional coin and card telephones in the Eighth 5-year Development plan.

PUBLIC TELEPHONES (COIN BOX) 1998-2004

6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0

Source: ETC Eighth Telecomm Development Plan

Figure 3.1-4 Public Telephone

(c) Mobile-phone Service

In 1999 ETC entered into Mobile-phone Service. In 2001, the service covers urban and suburb
areas of Addis Ababa and metropolitan i.e. Addis Ababa, Nazareth and Sodre. The total number
of exchange lines has reached approximately 36,000. Within 3 years further expansion for 13
major cities including Addis Ababa are planned.

MOBILE SUBSCRIBER 1998-2004

70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0

Source: ETC Eighth Telecomm Development Plan

Figure 3.1-5 Mobile Telephone Subscriber

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(d) Telex Service

Telex service in terms of subscriber base has been shown a marginal increase since 1991, while
international outgoing telex traffic had been declining in the recent years. The traffic decline is
consistent with the globally observed trend where telex usage is declining due to inroads made
by telefax and Internet services. The past trend in the number of telex subscribers during 1998 –
2004 is shown below.

TELEX SUBSCRIBER 1998-2004

400

300

200

100

Source: ETC Eighth Telecomm Development Plan

Figure 3.1-6 Telex Subscriber

(e) Internet Service

For the Internet service refer to 3.6 hereunder.

(f) International Telecommunications Service

International links are provided for 19 countries. Ethiopia has three major routes for overseas
telecommunications, such as INTELSAT satellite, submarine cable via Djibouti and terrestrial
microwave link with Kenya.

Each destination and number of circuits of international telecommunication are shown

in the following table.

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Table 3.1-1 Destination and Circuits of International Telecommunications

Destination Route Telephone Telex & TG Internet
USA (AT&T) AOR 58 23
USA (MCI) AOR 88
USA (Sprint) AOR 30 2Mbit/s
UK AOR 60 12
Belgium AOR 8
Germany IOR 29 6
France SMW2 25 8
Italy AOR 44 17
Greece AOR 6
UAE IOR 30
Singapore IOR 4
Saudi Arabia IOR 30
Saudi Arabia SMW2 30
Sweden AOR 23
Canada AOR 20
Japan IOR 8
India SMW2 8
South Africa IOR 11
Djibouti PANAFTEL 29 1
Egypt SME2 6
Kenya PANAFTEL 20 5
Zambia PANAFTEL 4
Total 565 78 2Mbit/s
International TV program transmission is supported via AOR satellite by using 34Mbit/s
CODEC.

ETC is planning to construct another terrestrial microwave system to Sudan by extending the
Gonder-Dollar Hill microwave.

It should be noted that present international gateway is only located at Addis Ababa. In the
future plan additional gateway exchange will be necessary (eg. Dire Dawa).

(g) TV program Transmission

ETC is providing Ethiopian TV Company with the TV program transmission via both
microwave and satellite. From Addis Ababa to the following destinations the link is reserved.

Table 3.1-2 TV Program Transmission Service by ETC

Media Destination Signal Remarks
Shashemene
Dessie
Digital Microwave Mekele 34Mbit/s
Jimma
Dire Dawa
Harer
Bahir Dar
Gonder
Analogue Microwave Gara Guda 4MHz-band
Arba Minch
Jijiga
Satellite 25 TVRO stations 8Mbit/s

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3.2 Telephone Switching Network

3.2.1 Network Configuration

The hierarchy of the national telephone network is basically configured with 3 stages such as local
exchange, primary center and secondary center.

Secondary center as AA TR-III is located in Addis Ababa and primary centers are located in the
telecom regions.

Telephone Network configuration in Ethiopia is shown as follow:

Combined Internatio’
& Secondary Centre

PC“02”

TDM TDM

PC“03” TDM
TDM

TDM TDM

PC“08”

Addis Ababa Area “01”

Region “02”---“8”

: Local Exchange

Figure 3.2-1 Network Configuration of ETC

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1st SC A.A. TDMs & Mobile

PC PC
2nd

3rd LE LE LE LE LE

4th LE LE

Figure 3.2-2 Switching Hierarchy

ETC divides the country into 8 regions and an individual Area Code is given to each region.

(1) Secondary Center

SC is a combined exchange and it’s one unit exchange of AXE-10 with 8,712 trunk circuits
including 524 international circuits, which was put into service in December 1998.

(2) Networks of Regions

(a) Region “01”

Addis Ababa MEA is situated in this region including some local exchanges in the provincial
area of the region.

Addis Ababa MEA is divided into 6 telecom zones and each zone has TDM exchange. All
TDMs are combined exchanges with local switch function.

TDMs in Addis Ababa Port are single unit of AXE-10 switching system respectively.

Under the TDMs except Filwoha, some local exchanges are connected and types of switching
systems are AXE-10, DMS-10 and RAX, however, majority is DMS-10. Only one RAX
switching system is employed for Kuyu.

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Remote Switching System (RSS) does not seem to be common in Ethiopia; however, one
AXE-10 RSS with 1,000 capacities is employed in Sebeta and subordinate to its host Keira
TDM.

Some local exchanges exist in this region but located in the provincial areas such as Fitche,
Ghion, Ambo and some others, are linked with SC and not TDM.

D.Table 3.2-1 shows details.

(b) Region “02” Nazareth

There is one (1) PC located in Nazareth. The PC is a combined exchange, which equip with
local exchange and transit exchange functions. The PCs in other region are also combined
exchanges.

Switching network in this region is basically simple and consists of 1 PC, 6 local exchanges and
1 RSS. However, quite unusual homing plan is seen on Modjo LE with 2,000 capacities that is
not directly connected with any exchange in this region. Modjo LE is under Debre Zeit, which is
under Keira TDM. Both of them are in region “01”. This unusual homing plan should be
corrected in near future. Switch types in this region are AXE-10 and its RSS, DMS-10 and
RAX.

(c) Region “03” Dessie

The switching system of Primary Center in this region is DMS-10 and under the PC, there are
13 local exchanges, which are ten (10) DMS-10s, one (1) DMS-100, three (3) RAXs and one (1)
ARF-102.
In fact, Primary Center consists of two switching units; one is DMS-10 mentioned above and
another one is analogue switching system ARF-102, which is planned to remove under the
Eighth Development Program.

The switching network configuration is simple in this region. Incidentally, there is a link
between PC ”03” Dessie and PC ”04” Mekele.

(d) Region “04” Mekele

The switching system of Primary Center in this region is also DMS-10 and consists of 2
switching units with ARF-101. Major type of switching system in region is DMS-10, which are
directly homing to the PC, and 1 RAX and four ARF-101 are exist as the LEs. Four (4)
exchanges of Adwa, Axum, Adigrat and Shire exchanges consist of 2 units of ARF-101 and
DMS-10.

The expansion of DMS-10 switching system of the above exchange are planned and the existing
subscribers of the analogue switches are transferred to the expanded DMS-10. Then, the
ARF-101 will be removed.

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(e) Region “05” Dire Dawa

The network configuration in this area consists of one (1) PC and four LEs, and is not
complicated.

AXE-10 switching system is used as the PC in Dire Dawa, and DMS-10, RAX, ARF-101 and
ARF-102 are employed as the LEs.

Harar and Jijiga exchanges are 2-unit exchange and the combinations of switching types are
DMS-10 and ARF-102, DMS-10 and ARF-102 respectively. No any difficulty and problem is
seen on the network.

(f) Region “06” Shashemene

There are two units in Shashemene PC, which are DMS-100 and ARF-102. One (1) DMS-100,
eight (8) DMS-10, nine (9) RAX, three (3) ARF-101 and two (2) ARF-102 exist in this region.

The number of exchanges in this region is 23 in total, which biggest number rather than that of
other regions.

A feature of the network is that, there are many RAXs and some of them are directly connected
with PC and some of them are linked with the local exchanges.

The exchanges of Goba, Robe, Ghinir and Dodola are now in “06” region, however, those
exchanges should be in “02” geographically.

(g) Region “07” Nekempte & Jimma

Region “07” is divided into two areas of Nekempte and Jimma and there is a link between the
both PCs and also an individual link to the SC from the both PCs respectively, namely, there are
two PC network in the same region.

Nekempte area consists of one PC and seven (7) LEs. Switching system type of PC is AXE-10,
and two (2) DMS-10s and five (5) RAXs are used as the LEs. The entire LEs are directly
homing to the PC.

The network configuration of Jimma consists of one (1) PC, eight (8) LEs and one (1) RSS. The
RSS belongs to AXE-10 of the PC and the Gore exchange is homing to Mettu LE, and the LEs
other than Mettu are directly connected with the PC.

(h) Region “08” Bahir Dar

The network configuration in this region is different compared with that of other regions.
The network consists of one (1) PC, two (2) local TDMs and twelve (12) LEs. The Local
TDMs, which are Debre Markos and Gondar, and seven LEs are under Debre Markos and only
one LE is under Gondar. Two LEs are directly connected with the PC.

The type of switching system of major exchanges such as Bahir Dar, Debre Markos and Gondar
are AXE-10. LEs are DMS-10s and RAXs.

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The details of exchange information are shown in D.Table 3.2-1.

(3) International Exchange

The secondary center, AA TR-III in Addis Ababa is to combine transit with international
switching functions.

However, in consideration of increasing the number of international calls and an occurrence of

unexpected failure on the exchange, another independent international exchange is required.

3.2.2 Switching System

The switching systems being operated are mostly digital as AXE-10, DMS-10, DMS-100 and
RAX.

However, some analogue switching systems such as C400, ARF-101/102 are still in operation and
all of those switching systems exist together with digital switching systems.

Refer to D.Table 3.2-1.

ETC intends to replace the analogue switching systems with the digital switching systems under
the Eighth Development Program.

Other than the mentioned above, many small size PABXs and manual switchboards are
used in the rural areas and such switching facilities are deemed as a part of Subscriber
Access Network and connected to a local exchange through the transmission system such
as DRMAS, Pair gain systems, etc.

3.2.3 Number of Exchanges and Line Capacity

The number of existing exchanges in the whole country is 159 with 585,832 capacity lines, which
includes one combined international with transit exchange.

Details are as shown in D.Table 3.2-1.

3.2.4 Trunk Line Signalling

ITU-T R2 Signalling system is used between the analogue switching system and the digital
switching system; however, in some cases this signaling system is adopted even between digital
switching systems. Because, No.7 signalling function is not available on a few digital switching
systems such as RAX.

ISUP of ITU-T No.7 Signalling system is used between the digital switching systems.

3.2.5 Numbering Plan

The numbering plan is structured with 7-digit based on the following conditions:
1) Ethiopia is given a 3-digit national number (251).
2) Not to exceed a 8-digit in order to follow ITU recommendation.
3) It is desirable that the plan keeps up with the number of subscriber in 30 years time.

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4) It has to be possible that capacity of numbering plan easily be expanded without any
change of the basic structure.
5) Not to be affected by the changing of metering system and routing plan.
6) Special call numbers have to be considered.
7) Structure of numbering plan
“0” + A + BC + DEFG
Subscriber Number (4 digits)
Office Code (2 digits)
Area Code (1 digit)
For Toll Call
8) International Call

In order to make a IDD call, the subscribers connected to the digital exchange have to
dial “00” + country code + area code + office code + subscriber number.

In case of the subscribers connected to the analogue exchange, it is necessary to access

to the operator with dial “98” and the international call connection is made by the
operator.

3.2.6 Charging System

Present charging system in the country is as follows:

(1) Local call

Subscriber’s meter is given one pulse every 6 minutes in changeable duration.

(2) STD call

The charging system being used is K (Karlsson) system and the elements of charging are distance
and duration.

(a) Analogue Exchange

The analogue exchange has no function for detailed charging system and receives the meter
pulses from the transit exchange.

Therefore, no one can get detailed charging information such as a called subscriber number,
charged duration, local call or STD call, etc.

(b) Digital Exchange

Digital exchange has detailed charging function and the charging data is stored on a Disk. The
Disk is periodically sent to Billing Center for data processing.

However, there is no online system to transfer the charging data from the exchanges to Billing
Center except the mobile telephone system.

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(3) International Call

The subscribers of digital exchanges can make IDD call and its charging is automatically made
at AA TR-III exchange.

However, the subscribers of analogue exchange have to access to the operator at first, which
means the charging for international calls are done by the operator.

3.3 Transmission Network

Transmission system in Ethiopia has mainly been constructed by the means of radio system due to
mountainous geography. The network is configured in star topology centering the capital of Addis
Ababa. Recently the network is rapidly being expanded in capacity according to growing traffic
and the analogue microwave is replaced by the digital one. Optical fiber cable is introduced into
several big-traffic and short-distance links such as inter-exchange link in Addis Ababa.

3.3.1 Backbone Transmission System

(1) Domestic Backbone Transmission Network

There are six major backbones having the hub at Addis Ababa such as, 1) north to Dessie, Mekele
and Morer, 2) east to Nazareth, Dire Dawa and Harar, 3) south to Shashemene, Awassa and Goba,
4) south west to Jimma, 5) west to Nekempte and Metu, and 6) north west to Bahir Dar and
Gonder. The 6 routes are detailed in D.Figure 3.3-2.

South west and west backbones are connected between Jimma and Nekempte. Major routes and
systems are shown in Table 3.3-1. The connection of network is shown in D.Figure 3.3-1.

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Table 3.3-1 Existing Major Backbone Network (not less than 34Mbit/s or equivalent)
Direction System Stations Capacity Remarks
5G SDH AA-Dessie STM-1 x 1
4G FDM Dessie-Musali 960ch x 1
North 6G PDH Dessie-Tossa, Mekele-Mossobo 140M x 1 6G upper
7G PDH Dessie-Weldia 34M x 1
2G PDH Dessie-(Mekele)-Morer 34M x 1
2G PDH AA-(Dire Dawa)-Harer 34M x 2 AA-Furi 11G 140M
East 4G FDM Harer-Jijiga 960ch x 1
2G PDH Dire Dawa-Djibouti 34M x 1 to Djibouti
5G SDH AA-Shashemene STM-1 x 1
6G FDM Shashemene-Goba 960ch x 1 6G upper
4G FDM Shashemene-Marza 960ch x 1 to Kenya
South 2G FDM Kurumi-Arba Minch 960ch x 1
2G PDH Adama W-Asela 34M x 1
7G PDH Shashemene-Ziway 34M x 1
7G PDH Arba Minch-Jinka 34M x 1
5G SDH AA-Jimma STM-1 x1
West and 4G FDM Jimma-(Nekempte)-Gore 960ch x 1
South-Wes 7G PDH AA-Nekempte 34M x 1
t 7G PDH Jimma-Bonga 34M x 1
7G PDH Gore-Metu 34M x 1
2G FDM AA-(Bahir Dar)-Gonder 960ch x 1
North-
2G PDH Gara Kar-(Bahir Dar)-Hamsuit 34M x 1
West
2G PDH Debre Markos-Gara Jobel 34M x 1
In order to accommodate the increasing circuit requirements, digital SDH microwave links are
under construction in the Eighth Development Program, and some of them have been constructed.
Table 3.3-2 shows the further expansion plan under Eighth Development Plan.

Table 3.3-2 Planned Backbone Microwave of Eighth Development Program

Direction System Stations Capacity Remarks
7G SDH Dessie-Musali (Bure), Asaita STM-1 x 1
7G SDH Dessie-Mekele-Morer STM-1 x 1 Upgrade
Axum-Adigrat-Zalanbesa STM-1 x 1 or 34M & others
North
AA, D/Berhan, Fitche area STM-1 x 1 or 34M
Dessie-Woldia link 34M and others
Links from Mekele 4 x 2M and others
5G SDH AA-Dire Dawa STM-1 x 2
East
Dire Dawa-Harer-Jijiga STM-1 x 1
5G SDH Shashemene-Moyale STM-1 x 1 to Kenya
South Shashemene-Arba Minch STM-1 x 1
Nazreth-Goba STM-1 x 1
7G SDH Jimma-(Metu)-Gambela STM-1 x 1
West and 5G SDH Nekemte-Assosa, Dembidolo STM-1 x 1
South West Tibebilo-Fincha
Nekemte-Ambo link
5G SDH AA-(Bahir Dar)-Gonder STM-1 x 3 STM-1 for Gonder
North West 5G SDH Gonder-Metema STM-1 x 1 to Sudan
Gonder-Shire STM-1 x 1

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Radio waves between Addis Ababa and Mt. Furi are very congested because the east, the south,
the southwest and the north backbone links are concentrated on this point. The present status of
the frequency use is shown in D.Figure 3.3-3.

(2) Spur and Junction Network

Spur link has been constructed by 2GHz and UHF (400MHz/900MHz band) systems. In recent
expansion, 7GHz band besides 2GHz band is used. The spur links are also shown in D.Figure
3.3-1 “Connection Diagram of the existing microwave network”.

Junction network connecting exchanges each other in Addis Ababa was constructed by microwave
at first and is now modified to hybrid type of optical fiber and microwave. ETC is changing the
network to the optical fiber oriented one by installing more optical-fiber cables. D.Figure 3.3-4
shows the junction network of Addis Ababa after completion of the on-going plan.

(3) International Transmission Network

Satellite communication facility for international telecommunication is located in Sululta, about 15 km

north from Addis Ababa and is connected with International Transit Exchange in Addis Ababa by
7GHz microwave links of 140 Mbit/s digital and 960 ch analogue. Sululta earth station has four
antennas accessing to 60-degree INTELSAT satellite in Indian Ocean, 335.5-degree and 342-degree
satellites in Atlantic Ocean.

Table 3.3-3 Access Satellite and Ground Facility

Satellite IOR 60-degree AOR 355.5-degree AOR 342-degree
Antenna Sululta-2 Sululta-1 Sululta-4 Sululta-3
- Diameter 13m 32m 18m 3.8m
Carrier IDR, SCPC IDR, FDM, TDMA, TV IBS
No. of Channels 112 331 2Mbit/s
Source:ETC
Digital 34Mbit/s terrestrial microwave link of 2GHz frequency-band is connected to Djibouti and
83 circuits are reserved for Ethiopian use in SE-ME-WE 2 cable, which is linking to Europe, Near
East, South East Asia, Oceania and East Asia.

Analogue 960ch FDM microwave link of 4GHz-band is extended to Marza of Kenya from Tuka in
south of Ethiopia. The link is connected to all over the east Africa via Nairobi. ETC plans to
digitize the link in Ethiopia. And Kenya also has a digitizing plan.

In the Eighth Development Program ETC plans to construct a new SDH link to Sudan via Metema
of north west Ethiopia and Dollar Hill of Sudan. This link will be connected to Khartoum, the
capital of Sudan.

3.3.2 Rural Transmission System

Problems with installation and maintenance of outside plant (cables) have prompted the
widespread use of wireless systems in rural areas, and there are several types of the system adopted.

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In recent years, demand for Internet-based telecommunications applications in rural areas,

particularly e-mail, has resulted in deploying the system with combinations of VSAT, VHF/UHF
radio system, and wireless local loop system such as CDMA, PHS, DECT, etc. In Ethiopia ETC
is also deploying positively to develop rural areas integrating with such new technologies.

Within ITU, Focus Group 7 (FG 7) was formed in March 1999 to carry out the activities of
investigation and study on new technologies for rural and remote applications. Its report says
that, as a method to promote the development of new communications technologies for rural areas,
the combined system with packet exchange system and low cost radio access technology shall be
necessary to make use of the Internet.

(1) Present Status of Telecommunications in Rural Areas of Ethiopia

The rural telecommunications network in Ethiopia depends largely upon radio systems. Analog
and digital systems exist with VHF and UHF radio bands. DRMASS (Digital Radio
Multi-Access Subscriber System) is basically adopted for scattered settlements, villages, or small
towns; and VSAT for isolated areas.

References are given to D.Table 3.3-1 on Existing/Planned Transmission Systems for Rural Areas
in each region.

In these tables, the rates (percentages) of serving through DRMASS and VSAT in rural
telecommunications systems in each region are roughly resulted as follows:
Table 3.3-4 Use of DRMASS & VSAT for the Rural Communication
DRMASS VSAT Total
1) Northern Region 87 % 5% 92 %
2) North Eastern Region 30 % 16 % 46 %
3) North Western Region 25 % 16 % 41 %
4) Eastern Region 35 % 45 % 80 %
5) Southern Region 53 % 11 % 64 %
6) Western Region 22 % 51 % 73 %
7) South Western Region 26 % 33 % 59 %
8) South Eastern Region 26 % 18 % 44 %

In any given Region, more than 40 % of the subscribers are connected with the remote access via
DRMASS and VSAT.

Regarding the power supply systems to support these telecommunications facilities, solar power
systems are mainly adopted in the areas where the commercial power supply systems are not
available.

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(2) ETC’s Project Implementation Schedule for the Eighth Development Program (1990 –
1994 E.F.Y.)

(a) DRMASS System

Candidate stations are listed in the Eighth Program for 109 stations in rural areas as referred to
in the D.Table 3.3-2, “List of Candidate DRMASS Stations”.

(b) Woradas without Telecommunications Services

There is an installation plan, in the Eighth Program Phase 2 for Woredas without
telecommunications services, as referred to in D.Table 3.3-3, Candidate Stations for Universal
Access Services (Phase 2).

The transmission systems to be applied will be DRMASS and VSAT.

(3) VSAT

Three systems of VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), such as DialAway, FaraWay and
DOMSAT, are operating now on the 72MHz-bandwidth transponder of 57-degree New Skies
satellite (NSS 703).

DialAway and FaraWay supplied by Gilat in Israel are TDMA (time division multiple access)
system while DOMSAT procured from NEC, Japan is SCPC (single channel per carrier) system.
ETC planed to accommodate 179 stations in DialAway system and 133 stations in FaraWay
system under the Eighth Development Program and the implementation is proceeding with a
little delay. Theoretical maximum number of VSAT stations is calculated as 220 for FaraWay
and 250 for DialAway. DialAway accommodates two channels per station and FaraWay does
eight channels at maximum for each station.

Major parameters of each system are as follows at the completion of 1994 EC

(2000/2001 GC) plan.
Table 3.3-5 Major Parameter of VSAT System
FaraWay DialAway DOMSAT
Satellite & Frequency New Skies 57-degree satellite, C-band (TX:6GHz, RX:4GHz)
Bandwidth 4MHz approx. 3MHz approx. 1MHz approx.
Multiple Access TDMA TDMA SCPC (FDMA)
Hub-station Sululta
- Antenna 11m diameter, G/T: 34dB
Remote-station 127 stations 98 stations 5 stations
- Antenna 2.4m, 3.8m diameter 1.8m diameter 6m diameter
Telephone channels 8 maximum 2 maximum 4
Public service & Public service &
Service or Customers Public service
Government use Leased service
Source:ETC

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Though FaraWay configures the mesh network, DialAway has a network of star configuration.
Many of VSAT customers have complain of the time delay of about 0.5 seconds in speech
transmission due to double hop in case of the connection between deferent systems or the
remote-to-remote connection of DialAway system.

In order to flow the traffic from increased remote stations the gateway capacity of both FaraWay
and DialAway systems to the AA transit exchange was expanded from one E1 to five E1s in
March 2002.

Number of stations by the end of 1994 EC is shown in the following table per service or
customer.
Table 3.3-6 Number of VSAT Remote Station
FaraWay DialAway DOMSAT
Public telecommunication service 114 85 5
Government use 13
Leased service 13
Source:ETC

ETC plans to cease DOMSAT operation and to re-use its antenna in FaraWay network under the
Eighth Development Program, which benefits ETC to have a bigger-capacity (16 channels)
remote station.

3.4 Subscriber Access Network

Ethiopia has been struggling in providing telecommunications accesses in two principal categories
of rural and urban accesses. For the rural access, ETC plans to expand the access network in
various media as DRMASS, UHF, VHF and VSAT in order to reduce the areas without telephone
accesses in the country.

ETC makes it a rule to implement the rural access network as follows.

- Within 20-50km from the exchange: VHF or UHF link
- Within 60-300km from the exchange: DRMASS link
- Over 200-300km from the exchange: VSAT.

On the other hand, Ethiopia has constructed the metallic cable for the subscriber access lines close
to the exchange.

As for the urban access, ETC plans to overcome the poor access areas by DRMASS, WLL and
new cable facilities including Digital Pair Gain System.

3.4.1 Outside Plants

(1) General

ETC is expanding the subscriber access cable network using jelly-filled cable recently. However,
the paper-insulated lead sheathed cables still remain in all areas.

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Application of optical fiber cable is now under consideration by ETC to accommodate the
customers in some congested areas in Addis Ababa and to grade up the junction route.

ETC has the network records of all over the country and compiled centrally in its head office.
These documents are cable plans showing the installation method, network materials and
installation year, which can be found in the Drafting & Surveying Section, while the detailed
material, labor, transport & other costs are listed in proposals and filed in the Strategic Planning
division. OSP cable network capacity record can be obtained from Project and Technical
Planning Division or from Outside plant Project Division

There is no standard clearance between the telephone line and the power line due to the absence of
joint-use system between ETC and EEPCO to protect telephone lines from power lines.

The plant record system of ETC is under poor management and does not update the plant record
after the additional construction, extension and rehabilitation works. (Total lengths of primary and
secondary cables, overhead cables, OFCs and conduits; numbers of MH, CCC, DP and pole, etc.
are not registered.)

Stock control of spare parts, carried out by ETC, is not efficient for systematic and timely
provision.

(2) Present Condition in Terms of Outside Plants (Equipment)

(a) Optical Fiber Cable

ETC has introduced optical fiber cable in around 1988 for inter exchange link in Addis Ababa
and its application as transmission media has extended in other areas outside the capital. It is
also under implementation process to introduce the optical fiber in subscriber access network.
ETC is currently planning and designing to implement Optical Access Network (FTZ) in Addis
Ababa to replace old cables and deliver additional services to customers.

The sub-duct system is not applied for laying the optical fiber cables.

Existing optical fiber cable is shown in Table 3.4-1.

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Table 3.4-1 Existing of Optical Fiber Cable

Open O.H. Total
Exchange EX, or MW VIA Cores Duct (m) Project
Trench (m) (m) (m)
1 Addis ketema Shegole 6 2,000 350 150 2,500 ETC
French
2 Arada 6 .1,400 4,100 830 6,330 ETC
Legetion
3 Bole Gerge 6 2,000 3,500 5,500 ETC
4 Bole Bole Michael 6 2,500 2,000 4,500 ETC
5 Filwoha ECA 6 2,600 200 2,800 ETC
6 Old airport Keranio 6 2,500 5,500 ETC
7 Filwoha TR/ISC Sengatera 12 1,600 1,600 TCIL
National
8 Filwoha TR/ISC 12 2,000 2,000 TCIL
theater
9 Filwoha Arada 24 3,000 3,000 TCIL
10 Arada Sidistkilo 12 4,400 800 5,200 TCIL
Addis
11 Arada 12 4,000 800 4,800 TCIL
Gebeya
Addis
12 TR-III/ISC 24 3,600 0 3,600 TCIL
Ketama
13 Addis Ketama Asko 12 3,600 4,000 7,600 TCIL
14 Asko Brayu 12 5,000 5,000 TCIL
15 Nifas Silk Kaliti 12 2,000 5,400 7,400 TCIL
16 Sheno Sheno MW 12 1,500 1,500 ETC
Hossaina
17 Hossaina 12 700 700 ETC
MW
18 Ataye Ataye MW 12 2,000 2,000 ETC
Total 37,200 4,650 29,680 71,530
TCIL Project was completed in Feb. 2002.
Source:ETC
(b) Primary Cable and Tip Cable

The protection of jointing closure (terminal joint) for Primary cable and PVC tip cable coming
from MDF is not in a good condition for old existing cables. The cable name, cable wire
diameter, cable pairs account and construction year are not indicated on the jointing closures.
These problems are now being corrected in the new projects and new installation and
construction standards have been adopted.

(c) Primary Cable

For distribution system in the local access network, a Cross Connection Cabinet (CCC)
system is mostly applied. Cables in the cabinet are classified generally either Primary
cable connected to exchange or Secondary cable connected to Distribution Points. For
security purpose or in the closed vicinity of an exchange office, the cable pairs are
directly distributed to the distribution Points. There are a lot of old paper insulated
lead sheathed cables in use in the primary cccable network now, which will be replaced
by the polyethylene insulated jelly filled cables or by FTZ by the end of year 2007.
The dry air system for paper-insulated cables is not in use. The Primary cables are

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mainly laid in concrete or PVC ducts or directly buried. The cables to be laid directly
underground are of steel tape armored type. There is no indication of cable name,
cable pair number, cable diameter and construction year on jointing parts.

(d) Secondary Cable

The secondary cables are laid either directly underground or aerial. These cables are mainly of
jelly filled for the directly buried type and of air core polyethylene sheathed for the aerial type.
The ratio of underground to aerial cable varies from place to place depending on the local
condition.

The cable types used in ETC’s local network are specified as follows (Refer also Table 3.4–2):
1) Duct: Fully filled foam skin polyethylene insulated Aluminum Laminated
Sheathed copper pair cables.
2) Direct-buried:
Fully filled foam skin polyethylene insulated Aluminum Laminated
Sheathed Armored copper pair cables.
3) Aerial: Polyethylene sheathed and air-cored solid polyethylene insulated
self-supporting copper pair cable.

The types of metallic cable are shown in Table 3.4-2.

Table 3.4-2 Type of Metallic Cable
Type Conductor gauge Cable pairs
0.4mm 2400,2000,1600,1000,800,600
Duct cable 0.5mm 1600,1000,800,600
0.6mm 800,600
0.4mm 600,400,300,250,200,150,100,50,30,20,10
Buried cable 0.5mm 600,400,300,250,200,150,100,50,30,20,10
0.6mm 600,400,300,250,200,150,100,50,30,20,10
0.4mm 100,50,30,20,10
Aerial cable 0.5mm 100,50,30,20,10
0.6mm 100,50,30,20,10
DC Loop resistance limitation: 1,500 Ohms
Insertion loss limitation (Under 800 Hz): 7dB
(e) CCC (Cabinet)

In urban areas, the cabinet system is adopted, where primary cables from exchange and
secondary cables from DPs are terminated. ETC is using 3 types of CCCs (2,400, 1,800 &
1,200 pair capacity). The cabinet body is mainly manufactured within Ethiopia. However,
considerable amount of Cabinets with complete accessories are imported (Outsource projects).

A Cabinet area is totally served by the secondary cable extended from the cabinet, which is
located mostly at the corner of the distribution area towards the exchange.

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(f) DP or TB (Terminal Box)

All out door DPs are currently manufactured in Ethiopia. The terminal box is fixed on wooden
pole with stainless steel band or nails. The numbering of the DP is indicated either written on
the cover or plated with aluminum numbering plate. Outdoor DPs are only of 10 pair’s
capacity. ETC intends to import DPs in future due to the poor quality of the local made DPs.

(g) Drop Wire

Drop wire role volume is 250 m or 500m, and is imported.

(h) Telephone Pole

ETC used iron poles about 30 years ago, but nowadays uses eucalyptus poles with a standard
pole interval of 40m. The telephone pole length is 7 m, 8 m or 9 m, mostly with no indication
of telephone pole names on it.

(i) Telephone Terminal-set

ETC supplies the first basic telephone terminal and charges its rental fee, while the subscriber
may connect the additional telephone set at his own cost.

(j) Civil facility: MH, HH

Although ETC has established a MH standard, the inside of MH and the cable hanger hardware
are installed in a bad state, and no MH name is indicated at MH neck.

MH cover may be either of the two kinds: iron circular, or concrete rectangular. The
statements written under the above topic are valid only for old networks.

ETC has standardized its Manholes and Hand holes completely with their accessories like cover,
frame, fixing and supporting materials, which are now used in the new projects.

(k) Civil Facilities (Duct)

The ETC standard is 2- or 4-hole concrete conduit, each with a length of 1m.

However, ETC has introduced PVC duct of 6 meters length, 5.5-mm wall thickness and
100-mm internal diameter since 1997. These duct systems cover now about 50%of the total
duct length. They will replace the old concrete ducts. These PVC pipes are manufactured
locally.

(l) Civil Facilities (Sub Duct)

The sub duct system is not adopted for optical fiber cables.

(m) Civil Work (Direct Buried)

Standardization of cable protection board and warning tape usage has just been completed.

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(n) Civil Facilities (Cable Chamber)

There is no water stopper at the opening of conduits, and water penetrates from adjacent MH.
Some cable chambers are not clean and lighting arrangements inside are not suitable for work.

(3) Problem Issues

1) Paper-insulated, lead-sheathed cables are highly vulnerable during the rainy season;
sometimes it takes 2 to 3months to repair.
2) The concrete duct jointing method has some problems. Construction of duct system
using many pieces of short conduit is very difficult; their joints are vulnerable to heavy
vehicles and other external forces.
PVC duct system is now introduced to overcome these problems.
3) The sub duct system is not used for optical fiber cables, and the duct is not used
efficiently.
4) The name and number of MH, HH, cable jointing part, pole, CCC, DP, etc., are not
indicated on them clearly, inhibiting the maintenance personnel to quickly find fault
points.
5) The plant record is not updated and is not available at site.

3.4.2 Wireless Local Loop

As a tendency during the recent years, the radio technology called Wireless Local Loop (WLL)
system has become popular and is nowadays widely applied in the subscriber access network for
its quick implementation and flexible network structure, instead of ordinary outside plant of
metallic cables.

Present status of introduction of WLL in Ethiopia is as follows,

Area Capacity Operating (year) System

Bole 1,500 L 2000 PHS
Addis Ketema 1,500 L 2000 PHS
Nefas Silk 1,500 L 2000 PHS
Old Airport 1,500 L 2000 PHS
Moreover, 30,000 lines will be introduced shortly by ICB (International Competitive Bid).

As described above, WLL has been introduced only to Addis Ababa zone, but it will be deployed
to other regions of Ethiopia in the near future.

3.5 Mobile Communication Network

(1) General

Mobile telecommunications face overwhelmingly strong needs in potentiality and actuality for
being irrespective of fixed location. Many kinds of diverged systems are offered in mobile
telecommunications such as car telephones, handy phones, cordless phones, wireless LAN,
communications on premises, business communications, satellite mobile communications. Mobile

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 The Study on Telecommunications Development Plan, Ethiopia

phones are remarkably developed among them. The total mobile-phone subscribers through the
world in 1998 were about 333 millions, and will be estimated one billion in 2005 which is three
times in expansion.

In Ethiopia, as well, remarkable expansion will be expected, that is, total mobile-phone subscribers
were 36,000 in the end of 2001. ETC planned to expand the network capacity to 400,000 lines
within 5 years, which is more than ten times in expansion.

(2) Present Status of Mobile Telecommunications in Ethiopia

The mobile telecommunications network in Ethiopia is presently limited to the metropolitan area
of Addis Ababa and its outskirts, Nazareth, and Sodore, which belong to YERER and KEREYU,
respectively, both in Oromiya Region. The number of present subscriber is 48,000 as in July
2002. This status of implementation is confirmed in accordance with ETC’s Seventh
Development Program. Reference is provided in Fig. 3.5-2, and Fig.3.5-3 Existing Mobile
Telecommunications Network in Ethiopia.

(3) Mobile Telecommunications Network Plan in ETC

ETC’s plan on mobile network at present is as follows:

1) To be expanded to 60,000 subscribers within 3 months in the present area described in
the above paragraph (1). (This figure is matched for the figure of 61,727 in 2005 of
the Eighth Development Program.)
2) To be expanded to additional 200,000 subscriber lines within 3 years in 13 major
regional cities including Addis Ababa area:
a) Addis Ababa 100,000 (200,000) subs.
b) Mekele 18,000 (36,000) subs.
c) Bahir Dar 6,000 (12,000) subs.
d) Diredawa 16,000 (32,000) subs.
e) Awassa 10,000 (20,000) subs.
f) Jimma 6,000 (12,000) subs.
g) Shashemene 5,000 (10,000) subs.
h) Dessie 5,000 (10,000) subs.
i) Harar 6,000 (12,000) subs.
j) Gondar 6,000 (12,000) subs.
k) Assela 4,000 (8,000) subs.
l) Nekempte 4,000 (8,000) subs.
m) Zwai 4,000 (8,000) subs.
Total 200,000 (400,000) subs.
The numbers in parentheses are revised ones from their preceding numbers.

Transmission Link Plan for 12 Major Cities is shown in Fig. 3.5-4 and Schematic
Diagram for 200,000 subscribers Expansion Plan on GSM Network is shown in Fig.
3.5-5.

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3) Other Plans

ETC has a plan to introduce a wireless fax/data, SMS (Short Message System), and
e-mail services in the near future and enhance the data service to mobile Internet.

4） To be expanded to 400,000 subscribers in total within 5 years including other newly

planned areas, which are not concrete yet.

ETC, however, revised its plan in April 2002 to reach 400,000 subscriber lines in total
by the year of 2005 as drawn below in dotted lines

Reference is made to the following graph of Mobile Phone Expansion Plan, which is
advanced for 3 years at the year of 2002.

Subs.
600k

500k
This figure is matched for 61,727 of 2005 in the
Eighth Development Program
400k
（400k） 400k

300k
260k
200k

100k
60k

0 (Apr.)
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Figure 3.5-1 ETC’s Mobile Telephone Expansion Plan

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 The Study on Telecommunications Development Plan, Ethiopia

Shiro Meda
Addis Ababa City ⑥ ④
French Legation
Addis Gebeya
⑥

Kolfe ⑥

Sidist Kilo
⑥
Arada
Adm. ⑱

⑱
Yeka
Addis Ketema Gibi Gabriel ⑥
⑱ ⑥ Gurd Shola
PSTN
④

⑱
Kotebe
Bole
④ TR/ITE
3-26

⑱ ⑩ Gerji
Embassy of Netherlands

PSTN
⑱ Legend:
Filwoha
④ 2x2Mb/s (1+0) Mini Link 15E
4x2Mb/s (1+1) Mini Link 15E
Keranio
16x2Mb/s (1+1) Mini Link 15E
Copper Wire Line
⑫ Kirkos Fiber Optics Cable
⑫ Three Sector Site
Old Airport
⑩ ⑫ No. of TRU
⑤ ETC Training Inst.
Jima Ber
④
Two Sector Site
Gofa ⑫
④ Mini-DXC
⑥

Nefas Silk
④
Hana Mariam
④ Freight Transport
Figure 3.5-2 Existing Mobile Telecommunications Network

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Addis Ababa - Sodore Network

15GHz 15GHz
TR/IT NEFAS Baski Duken 2x2mb/s Debre
2x2mb/s
12.6km 9.9km

15GHz (1+1) 15GHz

8x2mb/s 2x2mb/s
7GHz (1+1)
17km 15km
4x2mb/s
35.5km

Furi Beyo

7GHz (1+1)
4x2mb/s 15GHz
70.9km 2x2mb/s
7.9km

15GHz
2x2mb/s Nazareth 1
Adama 4.1km

West Madjo
15GHz
2x2mb/s Nazareth 2
4.7km

15GHz Yerer & Kereyu Areas

2x2mb/s
15.6km

: Trans-Receiver Station
15GHz
Hada 2x2mb/s Sodore
9.1km

Figure 3.5-3 Existing Mobile Telecommunications Network

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Mekele

Gondar
6E1 BTS Sites

EX: MSC/BSC

3E1
Dessie NEW MSC/TRANSCODER
Combolcha
9E1
NEW ＢＳＣ
6E1
BSCI-1
EX.MSC
Dire Dawa
Bahir Dar 9E1
Gishe BSC-2
2E1 10E1
4E1 9E1

2E1

Nekempt Ziway
Harar
Langan Assela
Jimm Dengo
Shashemen

Awass

Figure 3.5-4 Transmission Link Plan for 12 Major Cities

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SDH Back Bone Link

Addis Ketema
Mekele Exchange

New BSC-2 Trans New MSC

E1 E1 Inter-Exchange
Gondar in Addis Ababa Coder PSTN SDH Link
for Towns Connection Gateway for
200K Subs. Transit
Bahir Dar
E1
Exchange
New BSC-1 E1

in A. Ababa
for 100K add. Old MSC
Dessie
Subs. with 60K
Subs. Filwoha
Connected Exchange

E1 E1
SDH Back Bone Link
Old BSC-1 Old BSC-2
3-29

Dire Dawa with 27K Subs. with 32K Subs.

Connected Coonected Kera
Harar Exchange

Assela

Jimma

Nekempte

Awassa

Shashemene

Ziway Old BTS Sites

New BTS Sites

Figure 3.5-5 Schematic Diagram for 200, 000 Subscribers Expansion Plan in GSM Network

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