The Posts and Telecommunications Department (‘PTD’), Ministry of Transport and Communications is very pleased to announce that all of 1800 MHz band the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum band has been allocated and paid for.

Since spectrum in the 1800 MHz band was only first offered to the mobile operators in May 2017, the rapid take-up and associated payment for the spectrum in less than 9 months is extraordinary.  It is a strong vote of confidence in the Myanmar telecommunications sector and the regulatory certainty which exists. It underlines the growth in Myanmar mobile telecommunications, strong consumer demand for data and video services and the strength of the Myanmar economy.

The 150 MHz (2 x 75 MHz) of 1800 MHz spectrum band was allocated in accordance with 12 year licences will be mainly used for 4G/LTE services.  The spectrum will result in improved quality of service and faster wireless broadband speeds - ensuring that 4G/LTE speeds offered to Myanmar consumers are similar to those that are being offered in global and ASEAN markets.  Recent press reports including from OpenSignal indicate that Myanmar consumers are already enjoying faster wireless broadband.

The final allocation means that Telenor Myanmar has been allocated 1710 to 1730 MHz paired with 1805 to 1825 MHz, MPT 1730 to 1750 MHz paired with 1825 to 1845 MHz, Mytel 1750 to 1765 MHz paired with 1845 to 1860 MHz and Ooredoo Myanmar 1765 to 1785 MHz paired with 1865 to 1880 MHz.

Further IMT spectrum allocations, including E-GSM spectrum in the 900 MHz band to accelerate the move to 4G/LTE services will soon be held.  The sought after 700 MHz spectrum band will be considered by the Government later in 2018/2019 in accordance with Myanmar’s Spectrum Roadmap.  The views of the industry and the public on spectrum availability in this and other IMT capacity spectrum bands will be sought in a future consultative process.