Myanmar’s incumbent operator is reportedly considering partnerships with several foreign operators – most notably Orange.
The managing director of MPT (Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications), U Aung Maw, has confirmed that the operator is looking to disassociate itself from state control. By becoming a corporation it aims to find an international partner.
“We are now in the preparation process discussing a joint venture agreement with a foreign giant,” noted Maw. This would allow the incumbent to compete with its two new foreign rivals, Ooredoo and Telenor. Both operators received licences earlier this year.
Orange meanwhile competed for a licence in partnership with Japanese operator Marubeni, but lost out. While Maw did not name the potential foreign partners, he noted that operators from France and Japan were under consideration. In addition, Orange senior vice president Dominique Espinasse confirmed that the operator had held talks with Myanmar’s government concerning a potential partnership.
Currently MPT is the only mobile operator in Myanmar, with 6.5 million subscribers. However, it will face competition from Ooredoo and Telenor, as well as mobile licensee Yanatarpon Teleport, which recently signed a local data access deal.
