International telecom companies await Myanmar license announcement
The winners of two mobile operating licences in Myanmar are expected to be announced today pending any last-minute hitches.
The bid will open the way for international companies to begin investing in Myanmar's fledgling communications sector.
Eleven international telecom consortiums remain in the bidding to win one of two operating licences. Experts say the tender is one of the most competitive telecom bids ever seen, as international companies vie to invest in what is widely regarded as one of the world's last untapped mobile markets.
Less than 10 percent of Myanmar's 60 million population currently use mobile phones and the chosen companies will have to invest heavily in infrastructure to provide nation-wide networks.
Below are the contenders:
Axiata is Asia's third largest mobile service company. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, it is operating in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Cambodia. It has not yet publicly disclosed how much it will invest in Myanamar should it be granted a license.
Bharti Airtel is the world's 4th largest telecom company, with a presence in 21 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in India it has extensive experience working in countries with similar experience to Myanmar.
Digicel is a private Jamaica-based telecoms company with operations in 31 countries, mostly in the Caribbean and Central America. Digicel are teaming up with George Soros' Quantum Strategic Partners and YSH Finance, a joint venture between Yoma Strategic Holdings and local company First Myanmar Investment (FMI). The consortium has announced it will invest about US $9 billion if it wins the tender. They have produced a strong marketing campaign and are seen as a top contender.
KDDI is Japan
