Ethio telecom has launched its 4G LTE advanced mobile network service coverage in several parts of Amhara Regional State, including Bahir Dar, Dangla, Debre Markos and Finote Selam. Its executives, however, believe next year is when they will introduce 5G. The state-owned telecom giant took its 4G LTE network out of the capital for the first time in February of this year, availing it in six towns of Oromia Regional State, including Adama, Dukem, Gelan, Bishoftu, Modjo and Awash Melkasa. The network in the Amhara region was built by Huawei, the Chinese telecom infrastructure provider. "We hope that the launch of this LTE network helps the region in closing the digital divide and enjoying the fruits of the digital era," said Chen Mingliang, CEO of Huawei-Ethiopia. Launching the service, Frehiwot Tamru, CEO of Ethio telecom, announced that work is underway to launch 5G networks in the country next year. Ethio telecom is also expected to launch its own mobile money service in the coming months, after securing a license to branch out of its core business for the first time in over a century of operation.