TeleStream (ethiotelecom)

teleStream
Type of site
Video streaming platform
FoundedFebruary 20, 2026 (2026-02-20)
HeadquartersAddis Ababa, Ethiopia,
Ethiopia
Area servedEthiopia
OwnerEthio Telecom
Key peopleFrehiwot Tamiru (CEO, Ethio Telecom)
IndustryStreaming media, Entertainment
ProductsLive TV streaming, Video on demand
URLwww.ethiotelecom.et/telestream/
RegistrationRequired
Current statusActive

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]

History

Ethio 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

At 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

Users 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

Ethio 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

The 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

References

  1. ^ "February 20, 2026 – Ethio telecom". www.ethiotelecom.et. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  2. ^ "Ethio Telecom takes on satellite TV with video streaming service". developingtelecoms.com. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  3. ^ "Ethio Telecom To Venture Into Streaming Service". www.thereporterethiopia.com. 1 October 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  4. ^ "Ethio Telecom Launches teleStream Digital Entertainment Service to Advance Digital Ethiopia Strategy". www.ebc.et. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Ethio telecom Enters Streaming Market". cioafrica.co. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  6. ^ "Ethio telecom Launches teleStream to Transform Ethiopia's Digital Entertainment". www.thefastmode.com. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  7. ^ "Ethio telecom Launches teleStream and Zero-Touch Broadband Under Digital 2028 Strategy". techafricanews.com. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Ethio telecom Accelerates Digital Transformation with teleStream and Zero-Touch Broadband". www.telecomreviewafrica.com. 24 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  9. ^ "Ethio telecom Launches teleStream, Unveils Zero-Touch Fiber Broadband System". www.stockmarket.et. 21 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  10. ^ "Ethio Telecom launches 'teleStream'". www.samenacouncil.org. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  11. ^ "Ethio Telecom Enters Streaming Business With teleStream". shega.co. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  12. ^ "teleStream". www.ethiotelecom.et. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ "Ethio telecom Unveils teleStream, Pioneering New Era for Digital Entertainment". www.ena.et. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  15. ^ "Ethio Telecom launches telestream video service". www.telecompaper.com. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  16. ^ "teleStream Debuts as Ethio Telecom Drives Ethiopia's Digital Transformation". pulseofafrica.info. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  17. ^ "Ethio Telecom Launches TeleStream: Brings The Future Of Entertainment To Ethiopian Households". www.thereporterethiopia.com. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
  18. ^ "Ethio Telecom Launches 'Telestream'; Shifts Into Digital Media Distribution". techlabari.com. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
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