According to TMT Finance, which cites an unnamed source with knowledge of the process, a total of 23 companies and consortia have been shortlisted for two new mobile operator concessions up for grabs in Myanmar. Reportedly on the shortlist are:
Aco Investment Group
Asia MegaLink Consortium
Axiata
Bewel
Bharti Airtel
Charlene Pokphand
China Telecom
Digicel
First Pacific
France Telecom-Orange
Frontier Consortium
IG Consortoim
IT Telecom Consortium.
Millicom International Cellular (MIC)
MTN
Orascom
Ooredoo (Qtel)
SingTel
STT
Telekinesis Indonesia/Myanmar Telecom
Telenor
Viettel
Vodafone/China Mobile.
In separate but related news, Digicel’s bid is believed to be as part of a consortium comprising Digicel, George Soros’s Quantum Strategic Partners and investment holding company Yoma Strategic Holdings. Digicel chairman Denis O’Brien said: ‘With current mobile penetration below 10% in Myanmar, we are committed to rolling out a world-class telecommunications network and have submitted a pre-qualification application to the government of Myanmar.’