Ooredoo has launched mobile voice and data services in Myanmar's major cities, but its offer is not fully commercial yet.
As part of its final preparations for commercial launch next week, the Qatari operator has made services available for free to customers with SIM cards in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon.
The telco is charging 1,500 kyats (€1.13) for a SIM, although The Irawaddy last week reported that stocks were selling out quickly and separate press reports suggested that SIMs have been changing hands at inflated prices.
Services will be free until midnight on 14 August and Ooredoo will launch commercially the following day in 68 towns and cities in Myanmar. It has yet to share its pricing plans. The firm will extend coverage to more areas by mid-October, more still by the end of the year, and has pledged to continue building out its network into 2015.
Ooredoo said it has established a network of 6,500 dealers in the country.
"We are so excited to have met our commitment to bring mobile telecommunications to the people of Myanmar, edging us ever closer to being able to serve the nation's huge demand for mobile technology," said Ross Cormack, CEO of Ooredoo Myanmar, in a statement.
Last week analyst firm Ovum estimated that mobile penetration in Myanmar stood at just 12.3% at the end of 2013, but predicted it will rise to over 50% by the end of 2019 as the country's new operators make services available to the mass market.
Ooredoo said it plans to offer a range of services in addition to voice and data connectivity. These will include services linked to education, healthcare, banking and finance, and agriculture. It will provide further details when it launches next week.
"By 15 August we will deliver high-definition voice calls, stronger signal and fast Internet everywhere we have coverage," Cormack said.
"We are working hard to deliver our services to as many people as possible and ensure ready availability of SIMs and affordable compatible devices," he added. "We are confident that the feedback from our new customers will assist us greatly in enhancing our network in time for our commercial launch."
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/ooredoo-launches-services-in-myanmar/
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