MTN submits application for telecommunications licence in Myanmar

MTN today submitted an application to the Telecommunications Operator Tender Evaluation and Selection Committee of the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, thus formally entering competition for award of a telecommunications licence in that country, the mobile operator confirmed.

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

South Africa-based MTN is one of the world's largest mobile operators, with nearly 200 million subscribers across Africa and the Middle East. With a market capitalisation of approximately $35 billion and annual revenues of $18 billion, MTN is a market leader in 70% of the 22 countries in which it operates. MTN also boasts one of the most valuable brands in the world, with a listing in the prestigious Millward-Brown Brandz Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2013 survey.

"Challenges of greenfield operations in major countries are significant," says 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.

As a South African company founded in 1994, Dabengwa says MTN's experience of economic development following abolition of sanctions is unique. "We are confident of our ability to contribute to the socio-economic development of Myanmar through a vibrant mobile telecoms sector."

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 Telecommunications Operator Tender Evaluation and Selection Committee is expected to announce the successful bidders on 27 June.