Privatizing government owned institutions has become standard policy. It’s the era of capitalism-which means competition. Globalization is making it essential as a survival issue. We have heard the pros and cons of government agreements with WTO and the IMF on the issue of privatization. Today’s Society discusses privatizing one of the government’s favorite children, the ETC …

What is your opinion on the privatization
of
telecom services?

“Super! The quality of service will be excellent.”
Semira, Retailer
“It would be nice cost wise. The money we spend and the service quality we get will at least be comparative.”
Markos, Accountant
“Uuuhm! You are talking about the cash cow of the federal government…privatize every thing but not telecommunications.”
Luam,
“It is a smart move for government, because it is decentralizing one of its burdens.”
Martha, Broker
“Whether we like it or not the system will force us to privatize every service under monopoly. It is the time of the global market”
Abel, Lawyer
“Letting go telecoms is good but a danger lies beneath that will terrify many. Private companies serve only the needs of those who can pay and not of the majority.”
Lemlem, Teacher
“Quality based competition will exist if public service providers are privatized. When it is privatized, I hope it is going to be in the hands of Ethiopian’s in order to guard against the currency out flow.”
Alemu, Doctor

Cherish ETC

Connection breaks down almost during every phone call or fails completely; still, the ETC is a cash cow, with profits endless. You name it, network and fixed line operator, mobile operator, or and internet service provider all in one, are the source of massive revenue.
As ETC is moving in fast forward than other government monopolized institution, it is also an arena of corruption.
What could be more advantageous for the public and at the same time the government than privatizing telecoms? The corruption of ETC is a fact; privatizing it reduces the amount corruption, increases quality of service, and diversifies of service.
Currently, the only provider of the three services is jumbling our life. Breaking down of the internet and telephone connection is usual, over charging for a single call is normal. One of my friends has stopped calling for his friends in the daytime and he tries to make each call as short as possible.
The anti-privatization concept comes up from the point view of public interest. The unpredictability and ruthlessness of the market might endanger the well-being of citizens, like privatizing defense, basic health care, prison, and basic education. The involvement of government is for the benefit of society.
What would happen if ETC is privatized? Of course, prices will be low for an instant period with quality service. In time through price will boom and slay the majority, but what is a free market after all! Since ETC’s service is a market based on customer and provider have the freedom of looking ahead. What we need is a quality-based service with fair price; the choice is clear. Letting go of ETC and other government monopolies brings a rapid development of the country. Eventually, we are going to face these things. The PM has make it clear that Ethiopia is going to sign on to the WTO within three years…lets prepare ourselves.