MTN submits application for licence in Myanmar

YANGON, MYANMAR: MTN (MTN) has submitted an application to the Telecommunications Operator Tender Evaluation and Selection Committee of the Government of Myanmar‚ thus formally entering competition for award of a telecommunications licence in that country‚ the mobile operator confirmed yesterday.

Tenders for award of two nationwide telecommunications licences in Myanmar were due for submission yesterday‚ 3 June. MTN is responding in consortium with Myanmar-based Amara Communications and M1 Telecom Limited.

"Challenges of greenfield operations in major countries are significant‚" said Sifiso Dabengwa‚ Group President and CEO of MTN. "We know this from our successes in South Africa‚ Nigeria‚ Iran and other populous countries. As we have underlined in our licence application‚ we combine unique experience of both developed and emerging markets. Our track record of rapidly rolling out and managing world-class networks in challenging environments is unparalleled"

MTN believes in the enormous promise of Myanmar‚ a country fast emerging from years of sanctions.

Dabengwa further expanded on plans set out in MTN's application documents.

"We are proposing early nationwide coverage‚ high-quality voice and data‚ innovative services including Internet applications and mobile banking‚ and‚ perhaps equally as importantly‚ the proven training capabilities and track record of the MTN Academy. Our teams have been working in Myanmar for many months‚ and we are both encouraged and enthused by our interactions and joint planning with industry‚ commerce‚ finance‚ trade and social organisations. We are very confident of the bright future of Myanmar and of a highly engaged role that MTN can play."

The names of the successful bidders are expected to be announced on 27 June.