Telenor Myanmar has been allocated 2x10 MHz technology neutral spectrum in the 1800 MHz frequency band for a total of US$80 million in fees. The lisence is valid for a term of 12 years.
Telenor says the allocation of the spectrum will pave the way for the rollout of “real” 4G LTE services, which can deliver speeds of more than 10 times that of 3G networks.
Telenor today operates Myanmar’s largest and fastest growing data network spanning more than 7,500 sites nationwide, serving close to 19 million customers in all States, Regions and territories.
40% of the total spectrum fees or US$32 million will be paid to the Ministry of Transport & Communications (MOTC) under its Posts and Telecommunications Department (PTD) upon allocation, with the remainder to be paid between the second and fourth year of the license term.
Further, all operators also reserve the option to acquire up to an additional 2x10MHz in the same band on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, until all of 150MHz (2x75MHz) of the available spectrum has been allocated.
Lars Erik Tellmann, CEO, Telenor
With 1800 MHz spectrum, we now are set up to provide customers with a richer internet experience with superior download speeds, smoother high-definition video streams, lag-free gaming,a stronger social media experience, and more consistent performance in peak hours, among others. We are in the midst of enabling 4G/LTE on 1800 MHz on our network, and hope to expand services to more cities and towns in coming months – including an impending launch of 4G/LTE in Yangon very soon.
