Telenor said it will build in Myanmar a state-of-the-art mobile network using HSPA and LTE-ready technologies to match the sophistication of leading networks around the world today, and says it plans to achieve nationwide coverage in Myanmar within five years.
The Norwegian firm said on its website on Thursday—following the announcement that it and Qatari firm Ooredoo had beaten nine rivals for the two international telecommunications licenses in Myanmar—that it will launch commercially a full range of mobile services, both voice and data, as its initial offering, anticipated for 2014.
“We are delighted that Telenor is a winning bidder in what was a highly competitive telecommunications licence tender in Myanmar,” said Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO of Telenor Group. “We thank the government for giving Telenor the opportunity to support the country in achieving its goals, and for the open and efficient bidding process.
Myanmar will be an important pillar in our growth strategy and we are fully committed to responsibly leverage our group competencies to provide access to mobile communications services for the people of Myanmar. We now look forward to working with the authorities in Myanmar on the final steps in the licence process.”
Telenor said its strategy for Myanmar will be based on four strategic pillars:
1. Building a technically-advanced and extensive mobile network;
2. Driving significant growth in mobile penetration through a rapid network roll-out and providing affordable services through an extensive distribution network across the country;
3. Becoming the market leader in Myanmar by offering the most comprehensive portfolio of relevant mobile services of high quality to everyone;
4. Offering good quality service and an excellent customer experience, and creating loyalty and trust with our future customers in Myanmar.
“This strategy reflects Telenor’s vision to help customers get the full benefit of communications services in their daily lives. We are also fully committed to ensuring that the strategy will be executed with high levels of corporate governance and transparency, as we establish world-class operations in Myanmar,” said Sigve Brekke, the Executive Vice President and the Head of Telenor Asia.
Telenor said it will now enter into final discussions with the Myanmar authorities with the aim of acquiring a telecommunications license over the coming months.
