Telecoms & IT
From The Report: Myanmar 2014
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Until September 2013 there was only one telecoms provider, which has run the mobile network and backbone gateway for Myanmar since their construction. In 2013, two new international telecoms players entered Myanmar, providing the modern and affordable services necessary to bring the country into the 21st century. With 55m unconnected citizens, these firms have the opportunity to tackle one of the final frontiers for mobile penetration. However, Myanmar’s telecoms sector remains one of the most underdeveloped in the world, and immense challenges lie ahead for the international giants as well as the local government and domestic providers. Meanwhile, the doors have been opened for local and foreign firms to begin expanding the IT space and some 700 companies are now registered with the Myanmar Computer Federation. In 2014 Myanmar’s IT industry will see an explosion of activity that promises to transform almost every other sector of the economy over the coming years. Yet experience and training are severely lacking at present, and education will need to catch up quickly with the rush of technology if the country is to take full advantage of the trend.
This chapter contains interviews with U Myat Hein, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; Ross Cormack, CEO, Ooredoo Myanmar; Ren Geng, Managing Director, Huawei; and U Shane Thu Aung, Vice-Chairman, RedLink Communications; and a viewpoint from Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Clean slate: The sky is the limit as the sector prepares to expand from a low base
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In 2013 two new international telecoms players entered Myanmar, providing the modern and affordable services necessary to bring the country into the 21st century. Every other industry will feel the effect of added connectivity and telecoms penetration, opening a plethora of avenues for different products. However, Myanmar’s telecoms sector remains one of the most underdeveloped in the world, and immense challenges lie ahead for both the international giants and local government and providers. New…

Interview

OBG talks to U Myat Hein, Minister of Communications and Information Technology
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Interview:U Myat Hein How can citizens in Myanmar be encouraged to adopt new communication technologies? What steps are being taken to boost internet uptake? U MYAT HEIN: There is a very strong appetite from the people of Myanmar for new mobile services. As in other emerging countries that liberalised their telecoms markets, the take up of mobiles is expected to be quick and massive. One of the best means to encourage citizens to adopt new technologies would be affordable prices. During the…

Interview

OBG talks to Ross Cormack, CEO, Ooredoo Myanmar
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Interview:Ross Cormack What were the deciding factors in the decision to enter Myanmar’s market, and how does the country differ from other emerging economies? ROSS CORMACK: This country is the last telecoms frontier and certainly the most attractive. Penetration is currently very low, so there is a significant opportunity, but, more importantly, the government is clear on what it wants to do for the future. It has a bold vision of leapfrogging bottlenecks. Its goals and ambitions are all…

Overview

Brave new world: Rapid development of the sector presents a wealth of opportunities
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In 2014 Myanmar’s IT industry will see an explosion of activity that promises to transform almost every other sector of the economy over the coming years. Yet experience and training are severely lacking at present, and education will need to catch up quickly with the rush of technology if the country is to take full advantage of the trend. As new telecoms providers begin to expand mobile and internet penetration, greater numbers of citizens will be able to access the web and online services,…

Analysis

Survival of the fittest: The arrival of international giants poses a challenge for local providers
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While consumers are due to see more affordable access to mobile and internet services as foreign firms enter the market, local telecoms licence holders Myanmar Post and Telecommunication (MPT) and Yatanarpon Teleport (YTP) face strong competition, and must use every advantage to retain a profitable market share. MPT and YTP are in a similar situation. They lack the capital to extend the network and international expertise in improving services and training, all of which Norway’s Telenor and Qatar’s…

Interview

OBG talks to Ren Geng, Managing Director, Huawei
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Interview:Ren Geng Recent reforms have focused on developing better ICT infrastructure. How do you foresee these changes having an impact on the wider economy? REN GENG: The ICT sector is a driving engine behind the modern economy, which is why the Myanmar government has recently given more attention to developing ICT services. Ooredoo and Telenor have both been awarded telecoms licences, and the parliament has approved a new telecoms law. According to government statistics, the number of…

Interview

OBG talks to U Shane Thu Aung, Vice-Chairman, RedLink Communications
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Interview:U Shane Thu Aung Since the alleviation of sanctions Myanmar has seen the entrance of many international companies. What incentives are in place to attract foreign investors interested in the ICT sector? U SHANE THU AUNG: Myanmar has seen the entrance of many international firms because the country is a “green field” and is relatively new to the outside world. Many opportunities exist in every industry, especially ICT, though many issues still need to be resolved. Myanmar is…

Analysis

Ahead of the game: The state and the private sector are both aiming to provide more online services
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International observers and Myanmar’s government accept that to unlock the country’s potential, both the public and private sectors must embrace digital technology. Yet the state may take longer to adapt than the market-driven private sector in the coming years. Banking & Commerce Closely following the ICT developments is Myanmar’s banking industry. An efficient and well-regulated banking system is another essential pillar of the country’s development, and the sector is already engaging…

Viewpoint

Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google, on unleashing the power of information
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I believe something extraordinary is going to happen in Myanmar. The opportunities that will appear over the next one to two years are going to create some of the most important memories that the country is ever going to have, as communication technology arrives in this formerly inaccessible country. Myanmar will be able to skip all of the previous generations of technology. Fibre optic cables will link the cities, and 3G and 4G networks will connect smartphones at inexpensive prices. The country…