Qatari-owned mobile operator Ooredoo Myanmar has launched the country’s first commercial 4G LTE service in selected parts of Naypyidaw, Yangon and Mandalay. The firm says it plans to expand the high speed network to other locations, once it has been granted more spectrum by the regulator. Customers are able to use their existing Ooredoo SIM card to access the new 4G network, although an LTE-compatible smartphone or device is required to make use of the service. 4G data tariffs are available at the same price as 3G, with ‘Internet Packs’ ranging in price from MMK450 (USD0.38) for an allowance of 70MB (valid for 24 hours) to MMK27,000 for 5.5GB (30 days).
Myanmar’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MCIT) is due to auction off 2600MHz frequencies later this year, with 1800MHz spectrum scheduled to go on sale in Q1 2017, or nine months after the 2600MHz tender. Until the additional frequencies becomes available, Ooredoo will use the 900MHz and 2100MHz bands for its 4G service.