ZTE and Ethio Telecom Successfully Deployed Ethiopia's First Pre-Commercial AIR RAN

• ZTE and Ethio Telecom have completed Ethiopia's first pre-commercial AIR RAN deployment, leveraging the AIREngine intelligent computing engine and intelligent beam scheduling to unlock 4G potential on existing networks
• The deployment delivers an 11% increase in 4G capacity and a 40% gain in peak-hour user throughput, supporting Ethio Telecom's digital and AI-driven strategic transformation

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 4, 2026 — ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has partnered with Ethio telecom to deploy Ethiopia's first pre-commercial AIR RAN solution, marking an important milestone in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to mobile network optimization.

The deployment has delivered significant improvements in network performance, achieving an 11% increase in 4G capacity and a 40% gain in user throughput during peak hours compared with the traditional solution. These results demonstrate the potential of AI-powered network technologies to enhance existing infrastructure, address growing data traffic and improve mobile user experience.

As 4G data traffic continues to grow rapidly in Ethiopia, Ethio telecom and ZTE have been exploring ways to harness AI to improve the efficiency and performance of the radio access network (RAN), the part of a mobile network that connects users' devices to the telecommunications network. Over the past two years, the two companies have focused on advancing this approach through AI-enabled network innovation.

Building on Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (Massive MIMO) technology, the AIR RAN solution uses ZTE's AIREngine intelligent computing engine to introduce AI-driven intelligent beam scheduling. This enables more intelligent allocation of radio resources in response to changing network traffic demands.

By optimizing the use of existing network resources, the technology helps unlock additional 4G capacity and improve data throughput without relying solely on additional network infrastructure.

The reported 11% increase in 4G capacity and 40% improvement in peak-hour user throughput highlight the solution's potential to support growing connectivity needs while enhancing network efficiency and service performance, particularly during periods of high demand.

This milestone aligns with Ethio telecom's "Next Horizon: Digital & Beyond 2028" Strategy and supports the company's ambition to evolve beyond a connectivity-focused telecommunications operator into a leading digital enterprise powered by AI-native networks and digital innovation.

In addition, the deployment also contributes to Ethiopia's broader digital transformation ambitions under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 agenda by supporting the development of more efficient, capable and responsive telecommunications infrastructure.

Through continued investment in advanced technologies and strategic collaboration, Ethio telecom is advancing its digital transformation agenda, strengthening its network capabilities and exploring innovative approaches to deliver improved connectivity, bridge the digital divide and greater value to customers.

ABOUT Ethio Telecom:

Ethio telecom is Africa's pioneer telecommunications operator and Ethiopia's leading digital financial services provider. Serving over 90 million subscribers, Ethio Telecom delivers a comprehensive, integrated suite of communication and digital solutions, including high-speed mobile voice and data, fixed broadband, cloud-based enterprise platforms, and international connectivity.

The company also operates telebirr, Ethiopia's flagship mobile financial service platform, driving financial inclusion, secure digital transactions, and seamless commerce for tens of millions of citizens, businesses, and public institutions. Guided by a strategic commitment to bridge the digital divide, Ethio Telecom continues to modernize its national infrastructure to power Ethiopia's thriving digital economy and accelerate digital transformation across the region.

WEBSITE: www.ethiotelecom.et

HEADQUARTERS: Churchill Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

ABOUT ZTE:

ZTE connects the world with continuous innovation for a better future. The company provides innovative technologies and integrated solutions, and its portfolio spans communication networks, computing infrastructure, industry digital solutions, and personal and home smart terminals. Serving over a third of the world's population, ZTE is dedicated to leading globally in connectivity and intelligent computing, enabling communication and trust everywhere. ZTE is listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges.

 www.zte.com.cn/global

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