Myanmar’s cellcos reach a combined 50m subs

1 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Feb 16, 20186:10 AM

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Myanmar’s mobile operators – MPT, Ooredoo Myanmar and Telenor Myanmar – have announced they have reached a collective 50 million subscribers.

Extrapolating from the latest UN estimates, Worldometers projects that the total population of Myanmar is around 53.6 million, meaning the nation’s mobile penetration is approaching 100%.

In a joint statement announcing the milestone, the three operators committed to further develop their mobile networks, particularly in rural areas, and to provide the investment needed for the deployment of 4G infrastructure and services for the market.

The companies also agreed to abide by “sound price competition practices”, including by complying with recently imposed floor pricing on mobile offerings.

The Myanmar Post and Telecommunications Department’s pricing and tariff regulatory framework, introduced in June last year, prohibits behavior such as free distribution or sales of SIM cards and supplying services and handsets at below cost.

“MPT, Ooredoo and Telenor are firmly committed to competing based on the stated guidelines and the relevant laws of the country that as the telecommunications operators in Myanmar, they are bound to,” the statement reads.

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What this means

This milestone marks a shift from subscriber acquisition to service enhancement in Myanmar's mobile market, pressuring operators to innovate beyond basic connectivity. The commitment to 4G expansion, particularly in rural areas, mirrors the general trend of infrastructure development seen across Southeast Asia. However, the agreement on 'sound price competition practices' and floor pricing represents a direct intervention in the market that could stifle aggressive competitive offerings previously used to capture market share. This move will likely stabilise operator revenues but risks reducing consumer choice. It contrasts with expansions in other Asian markets focusing on consumer experience or new retail formats, like Tiffany & Co.'s café in Singapore or Panpuri's store growth. Retailers eyeing Myanmar's digital landscape should monitor the pricing impact on consumer spending power.

Maria Santos · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the mobile penetration rate in Myanmar?

Myanmar's mobile penetration is nearing 100%, based on a collective 50 million subscribers across the three operators and a projected total population of approximately 53.6 million people. This indicates widespread mobile service adoption.

What specific network developments have the operators committed to?

The three operators have committed to further developing their mobile networks, focusing particularly on rural areas. They also pledged to invest in the deployment of 4G infrastructure and services throughout the market for consumers.

What are the new rules for price competition among the operators?

New regulations, imposed in June last year, prohibit practices such as giving away free SIM cards or selling services and handsets below cost. Operators must adhere to floor pricing on mobile offerings and avoid these specific behaviours.

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