International call charges high: IT technicians

Myanmar Post and Telecommunications introduced the rates, which took effect from July 2, with roaming charges ranging from Ks3,500 (Bt113) to Ks5,000.

Users can call Thailand, Singapre, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Belgium, Luxemburg, Romania, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Qatar, UK, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Moldavia, France, Papua New Guinea and Germany.

Charges for messages will vary in accordance with the distance, ranging from Ks400 to Ks700.

“Everyone cannot go abroad and those who go have urgent jobs,” said a representative from Myanmar Soft-Gate Technology. “They would only stay for a week at most. They bought SIM cards there, which included Internet subscription. I do not know why the MPT makes it so expensive, and I think many are unable to use the system.” 

Post-paid mobile users have to pay a deposit fee of Ks500,000 at the airport for outbound roaming use. Prepaid mobile users do not need to pay any deposit.

“We use Viber and Tango via the Internet,” said IT technician Yan NaungSoe. “The international roaming system costs a lot because it interconnects mobile networks. But it is good for us to access the system though charges are too high. Most people will not use it and will use Tango, Viber and Skype.”