Permanent IoT Roaming in Ethiopia: Permitted or Perilous? A Regulatory Analysis

Home >

Permanent IoT Roaming in Ethiopia: Permitted or Perilous? A Regulatory Analysis

Permanent IoT Roaming in Ethiopia: Permitted or Perilous? A Regulatory Analysis

The Global IoT Challenge Meets Ethiopian Regulations

The Internet of Things (IoT) revolution continues to connect devices across borders, enabling unprecedented efficiency and innovation for global businesses. From logistics and agriculture to smart cities and industrial automation, maintaining seamless connectivity is paramount. However, deploying IoT solutions internationally often involves navigating complex and varied regulatory landscapes. A key question frequently arises for companies deploying devices in multiple countries: Can our IoT devices, using foreign SIM cards or eSIM profiles, operate reliably and permanently in a specific jurisdiction like Ethiopia through roaming?

Ethiopia, with its rapidly developing economy and strategic location, presents significant opportunities for IoT deployment. But what does Ethiopian law say about devices that remain connected via international roaming for extended periods, potentially permanently? Is it a straightforwardly permitted activity, or are there hidden regulatory perils?

This blog analyzes the current Ethiopian regulatory framework to provide clarity on the status of permanent IoT roaming.

Is Permanent International Roaming Explicitly Regulated in Ethiopia?

Understanding the legal position starts with examining the core telecommunications laws and directives issued by the Ethiopian Communications Authority (ECA).

Based on our review of the key regulations as of June 2025:

œ No Explicit Prohibition: There is currently no specific law or directive in Ethiopia that explicitly prohibits or regulates permanent international roaming for devices using foreign SIMs/eSIMs.

œ National Roaming Directive Scope: The Telecommunications Wholesale National Roaming Directive (No. 800/2021) focuses exclusively on roaming between licensed operators within Ethiopia. Article 4(2) clearly states that this directive does not apply to international roaming arrangements.

œ SIM Card Registration Exemption: This is perhaps the most crucial piece of current regulation. The SIM Card Registration Directive (No. 799/2021) mandates registration for SIM cards issued by Ethiopian operators. However, Article 4(1) explicitly exempts users of SIM cards issued by foreign Telecommunications Operators from these requirements, even when those users are roaming on an Ethiopian network.

What does this mean? From a direct regulatory perspective based on these specific directives, using a foreign SIM or eSIM profile for IoT devices roaming into Ethiopia – even on a long-term or permanent basis – does not currently trigger local SIM registration obligations or violate specific roaming duration limits set by Ethiopian law.

Potential Uncertainties that May Justify Caution

While the absence of direct prohibition seems positive, relying solely on this can be risky for long-term deployments. Several factors introduce uncertainty and potential challenges for permanent IoT roaming strategies in Ethiopia:

œ Lack of Specific Regulation Creates Ambiguity: The fact that permanent international roaming isn't specifically addressed means there's no explicit legal certainty. While not prohibited, it's also not explicitly endorsed or defined. This leaves room for interpretation or future regulatory action.

œ Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Ethiopia's telecommunications sector has undergone significant liberalization recently with the introduction of new players alongside the incumbent Ethio Telecom. The ECA, established under the Communications Service Proclamation (No. 1148/2019), has broad powers (Article 6) to regulate the sector, ensure fair competition, protect consumer interests, and issue new directives. If permanent roaming becomes widespread and is perceived to negatively impact local operators or the market structure, the ECA could potentially introduce specific rules or limitations in the future.

œ Commercial Realities: Roaming Agreements & Fair Use Policies (FUPs): Perhaps the most immediate practical constraint lies not in regulation but in commercial agreements. The ability to roam permanently depends entirely on the wholesale roaming agreements between your home mobile network operator (MNO) or IoT connectivity provider and the local Ethiopian MNOs (e.g., Ethio Telecom, Safaricom Ethiopia). These agreements often contain Fair Use Policies (FUPs) designed to prevent permanent roaming, which can be commercially disadvantageous for the visited network. Exceeding FUP thresholds could lead to throttling, suspension of service, or increased charges, effectively hindering permanent roaming even if regulations permit it.

œ Bootstrapping Considerations: While the process of downloading a foreign eSIM profile while in Ethiopia (bootstrapping) likely falls under the general roaming exemption of the SIM Registration Directive, it doesn't change the underlying reliance on commercial roaming agreements and their potential FUPs for ongoing service.

Strategic Considerations for Businesses

Given this landscape, businesses planning long-term or permanent IoT deployments in Ethiopia using foreign SIMs/eSIMs should:

œ Verify Commercial Agreements: Thoroughly review the terms and FUPs of the roaming agreements covering Ethiopia provided by your home MNO or IoT connectivity partner. Ensure they explicitly permit or, at minimum, do not prohibit the intended duration of roaming.

œ Monitor Regulatory Developments: Stay informed about any new directives, guidelines, or public consultations issued by the ECA concerning roaming, IoT, or SIM registration.

œ Consider Local Alternatives: For truly permanent deployments or large-scale projects, evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of using local Ethiopian SIMs/eSIMs obtained through licensed providers, which would bypass roaming limitations altogether (though subject to local registration requirements).

œ Seek Expert Legal Counsel: The nuances of telecommunications law, especially in a dynamic market like Ethiopia, require careful assessment. Consulting with legal experts familiar with Ethiopian regulations and the technology sector can help navigate uncertainties and mitigate risks.

Conclusion: Permitted, But Not Without Caveats

Currently, Ethiopian regulations do not explicitly forbid permanent international roaming for IoT devices using foreign SIMs/eSIMs, and such devices are exempt from local registration. This makes Ethiopia appear relatively permissive compared to jurisdictions with strict anti-permanent roaming rules.

However, the lack of specific regulation creates underlying uncertainty. The primary hurdles are more likely to be commercial (roaming agreement FUPs) rather than regulatory, but the potential for future regulatory changes by the ECA cannot be dismissed.

Therefore, while permanent IoT roaming is currently permitted from a direct regulatory standpoint, it is not entirely without potential perils. Businesses must conduct thorough due diligence on their commercial agreements and stay vigilant regarding the evolving regulatory environment.

-------

Keywords: Ethiopia IoT roaming, permanent roaming Ethiopia, IoT regulations Ethiopia, Ethiopian Communications Authority ECA, SIM card registration Ethiopia, telecom law Ethiopia, IoT connectivity Ethiopia, foreign IoT devices Ethiopia, Makkobilli Law Firm technology law, Ethiopia market entry IoT

 

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information based on publicly available regulations and should not be considered specific legal advice. Regulatory landscapes can change. For advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult with qualified legal counsel.

 

Need guidance on navigating Ethiopian telecom regulations for your IoT deployment?

Makkobilli Law Firm LLP specializes in technology law and assists international businesses entering the Ethiopian market. Contact our Technology Law Practice Group today for expert advice on licensing, roaming, data protection, and other critical regulatory matters.

Hi, How Can We Help You?