The country formerly known as Burma has actively encouraged a number of large operators and consortiums for the licences. Vodafone and China Mobile have signed a strategic agreement and lodged an application, while other applicants are said to include Qatar Telecom, France-Telecom Orange, KDDI and SingTel.
Set Aung, deputy minister for national planning and economic development, said the country “cannot rely on small companies” to update Myanmar’s telecoms sector.
Operators are looking to capitalise on the country’s change in policy, after the government opened up the market to international players. Myanmar’s mobile penetration stands at below 10%.
Myanmar’s government is expected to announce which companies will compete for the two licences on April 11 with a final decision being made on the two licences on June 27.