Ethiopian TV Satellite Update – October 2025

Ethiopian TV Satellite 2025: A New Dawn for Broadcasting and National Pride

For decades, Ethiopia has relied on foreign satellites to beam its television signals across the nation and to its diaspora. But a monumental shift is on the horizon. The highly anticipated Ethiopian TV Satellite, slated for launch in 2025, represents more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a symbol of national ambition, sovereignty, and a leap into the future of digital communication.

This mission, driven by the Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute (ESSTI), is poised to transform the country’s media landscape. Let’s dive into what the Ethiopian TV Satellite 2025 means for the nation.

Why is Ethiopia Launching Its Own Satellite?

The reasons are both practical and profoundly symbolic:

1. National Sovereignty and Security: Renting transponders on foreign satellites is costly and leaves critical communication infrastructure in the hands of other nations. Having a dedicated satellite gives Ethiopia full control over its broadcasting and data security.
2. Cost Efficiency: In the long run, owning a satellite is more economical than continuously paying rental fees to international providers. These saved resources can be reinvested into other national development projects.
3. Enhanced Broadcast Quality and Reach: The satellite will provide wider coverage, ensuring that even the most remote rural communities can access high-quality television and radio signals. This is crucial for disseminating information, education, and emergency alerts nationwide.
4. A Platform for the Diaspora: For the millions of Ethiopians living abroad, the satellite will serve as a direct and reliable link to home, offering uncompromised access to local news, entertainment, and cultural programming.
5. Catalyst for Technological Growth: The project is a massive catalyst for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, inspiring a new generation of Ethiopian engineers, scientists, and innovators.

Complete List of Ethiopian TV Channels on Satellite

The majority of Ethiopian channels are clustered on two satellites: Eutelsat 8 West B and Eutelsat 7B. Here are the detailed parameters.

Cluster 1: Eutelsat 8 West B (8° West)

This is the primary satellite for Ethiopian television, hosting most of the major networks.

Channel Name	Satellite	Frequency (MHz)	Polarization	Symbol Rate (SR)	FEC	Standard
Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Walta TV	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC)	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN)	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Amhara Media Corporation (AMC)	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Afar TV	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Tigray TV	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Somali TV	Eutelsat 8 West B	11471	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
ESAT TV	Eutelsat 8 West B	11512	Vertical (V)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Ethiopian Space Channel (ESC)	Eutelsat 8 West B	11512	Vertical (V)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2
Nile TV	Eutelsat 8 West B	11431	Horizontal (H)	27500	3/4	DVB-S2

How to Scan: If you are pointing at 8° West, you can simply scan the frequency 11471 H 27500 to add EBC, Walta, Fana, OBN, AMC, Afar TV, Tigray TV, and Somali TV all at once.

Cluster 2: Eutelsat 7B (7° East)

This satellite also carries a few Ethiopian channels, providing an alternative for viewers in its footprint.

Channel Name	Satellite	Frequency (MHz)	Polarization	Symbol Rate (SR)	FEC	Standard
Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC)	Eutelsat 7B	10721	Vertical (V)	30000	3/4	DVB-S2
Walta TV	Eutelsat 7B	10721	Vertical (V)	30000	3/4	DVB-S2
Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN)	Eutelsat 7B	10721	Vertical (V)	30000	3/4	DVB-S2

How to Add These Channels to Your Receiver

1. Point Your Dish: Ensure your satellite dish is accurately aligned to the correct orbital position (e.g., 8° West for the main cluster).
2. Access Receiver Menu: Go to your satellite receiver’s menu and find the “Manual Scan” or “Add Channel” option.
3. Enter Parameters:
   • Select the correct satellite.
   • Input the Frequency (e.g., 11471).
   • Set the Polarization (e.g., Horizontal).
   • Input the Symbol Rate (e.g., 27500).
   • Set the FEC to 3/4.
4. Scan: Start the scan. Your receiver will search for and save all available channels on that frequency.

The Future: Ethiopian TV Satellite 2025

The current reliance on foreign satellites may change with the planned Ethiopian TV Satellite project. A dedicated satellite would offer:

• Greater control over broadcasting.
• Lower long-term costs.
• Enhanced signal quality and reliability across Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
• Capacity for many more new channels and services.

We will update this list as soon as official parameters for the new national satellite are released.