Telenor Myanmar to buy more 1800-MHz spectrum

Telenor Myanmar will pay $80 million to acquire additional 1800-MHz spectrum to help it optimize its 4G network.

The operator will acquire an additional 2×10-MHz of 1800-MHz spectrum, doubling its holdings in the spectrum band.

Telenor is exercising its right to acquire additional spectrum on a first come first served basis, as stipulated in the terms of the process the operator used to acquire its first 2×10-MHz of 1800-MHz spectrum – also for $80 million – in May.

By the end of the year, Telenor expects that its 4G network will cover Myanmar’s top 50 cities and most famous destinations, which represents a footprint of around two thirds of the nation’s urban population.

The operator has invested over $2 billion in Myanmar since winning a nationwide telecom license along with rival Ooredoo.

“Myanmar has shown an exceptional hunger for mobile data, and to meet the incredible demand Telenor continues investing in a state-of-the-art network. Today, we are doubling our capacity for delivering high-quality 4G services, resulting in an immediate benefit for our customers who will experience smoother internet services and better indoor coverage,” Telenor Myanmar CEO Lars Erik Tellmann said.

“Myanmar has clear ambitions of accelerating its digital economy, and I believe that increased deployment of an ultramodern mobile infrastructure will support Myanmar in its digital transformation.”