Norwegian-owned cellco Telenor Myanmar and state-backed incumbent Myanmar Post and Telecommunications (MPT) have each submitted an expression of interest (EoI) to bid in the country’s upcoming auction of 2600MHz frequencies. The Myanmar Times writes that the tender will feature 40MHz of 2600MHz band spectrum, which must be used to provide broadband services. A total of six concessions are on offer, with two 20MHz blocks available in each of three separate regions, but no operator can win licences in more than two regions, or more than one concession in any individual region. Sector watchdog the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MCIT) received 22 EOIs and selected 20 as potential bidders. The two companies that missed out – Bluewave Broadband and Eager Communication – were disqualified as neither held the requisite Network Facilities Service (Individual) Licence.
The list of potential bidders is as follows: Myanmar Technology Gateway; Yatanarpon Teleport (YTP); Spectrum Life; Frontiir Company; Bagan ISP; Fortune International; Shwe Pyi Ta Gone Telecommunication; Myanmar Network; Amara Communications; Kinetiuc Myanmar Technologies; Golden TMH Telecom; Union Internet; Global Technology; Elite Telecom; Telenor Myanmar; Shwe Than Lwin Media; AGB Communication; Myanmar Telecommunication Network; Y Net and MPT.
A final list of qualified bidders is due to be published in September, whilst the auction is expected to commence the following month. Notable by its absence, meanwhile, is mobile provider Ooredoo Myanmar, which has confirmed that it is waiting for the government’s planned sale of 1800MHz spectrum.