USSD, SMS, WhatsApp and Call Center Set Up & Pricing in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia has a growing telecommunication landscape, with over 65 million mobile phone users, reflecting the widespread adoption of mobile technology across the country. Internet penetration stands at around 25%, with a significant portion of the population accessing the internet through mobile devices. The use of USSD is very popular, especially for financial services and mobile banking. Some of the most popular USSD codes include *999# for Ethio Telecom services and *812# for mobile banking. Companies like Dashen Bank and Cooperative Bank of Oromia frequently use USSD for banking services. In marketing, WhatsApp and SMS play a vital role in reaching customers. Businesses like Ethio Telecom and large retail stores utilize these platforms to send promotional messages and service updates. SMS campaigns are particularly effective due to the high number of mobile phone users.
In Ethiopia, the telecommunications landscape offers various SMS services, each governed by Ethiopia's specific regulations. Short codes, popular in Ethiopia for services like mobile banking, require approval from Ethiopia's national communications authority. Ethiopia's businesses can use marketing SMS for promotions, but must adhere to Ethiopia's registration and consent requirements. Transactional SMS in Ethiopia face less stringent rules but must comply with Ethiopia's data protection laws. Premium Rate Services SMS in Ethiopia, which charge users for content, typically need a license from Ethiopia's regulatory body and must follow Ethiopia's pricing transparency guidelines.
WhatsApp's popularity in Ethiopia stems from WhatsApp's data efficiency in areas with limited internet. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures secure communication for Ethiopia's users. The WhatsApp API Cloud enables Ethiopia's businesses to scale customer interactions, while WhatsApp's wide adoption makes it ideal for customer service. WhatsApp's compatibility with lower-end smartphones promotes digital inclusion across Ethiopia. The WhatsApp API Cloud allows Ethiopia's companies to implement chatbots and integrate systems, supporting business growth even in regions with unstable connections.
WhatsApp (Per 24hr Session)
WhatsApp Business platform employs a conversation-based pricing model, charging businesses for each conversation within a 24-hour period. Conversations are categorized as service, utility, authentication, or marketing, with varying prices based on the category and the customer's country code Learn more on WhatsApp billing.
USD
0.0225
WhatsApp (Setup)
A one time set up charge to to cover the initial technical configuration, custom development, and client onboarding process.
USD
49
USSD pricing in Ethiopia
Ethiopia leverages USSD technology for interactive, menu-driven services that operate without internet, crucial for Ethiopia's digital inclusion efforts. In Ethiopia, USSD facilitates mobile banking, public service delivery, and information access, serving both urban and rural populations through its compatibility with basic phones. Ethiopia's telecom regulator oversees USSD short codes, ensuring fair access across mobile networks and adhering to Ethiopia's specific numbering plan. Despite growing smartphone adoption, USSD remains vital in Ethiopia for its universal accessibility, helping bridge the digital divide and spurring innovation in sectors ranging from agriculture to healthcare.
Ethiopia's voice service landscape is rapidly evolving, with call centers emerging as hubs for both local support and international outsourcing, capitalizing on Ethiopia's multilingual workforce. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems in Ethiopia are bridging literacy gaps, providing critical information in local dialects for health, agriculture, and government services. Ethiopia's adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is reshaping business communication, though it faces regulatory challenges as Ethiopia balances innovation with traditional telecom interests. As Ethiopia leapfrogs legacy systems, voice technologies are enabling unique solutions like mobile money authorization via voice biometrics and community radio integration with IVR for wider information dissemination.
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