Myanmar

Brief About Myanmar

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, commonly shortened to Myanmar.

Geography

• The total land area of 676,577 square kilometre
• International borders of 5858 Kilometer with Bangladesh, India, China, Thailand and Laos
• total coastal line length 2832kilometer
• 2090 kilometre (north to south )and 925 kilometres (east to west )

Topography

• 50% of mountains and forests (northern and eastern)

Population

• Over 51.49 million Population
• 135 ethnic groups
• Seven states and seven Regions
• 70% of the population lived in rural areas and occupied in agriculture sectors

Natural Resources

• Rice, minerals, teak, hardwood forest, onshore and offshore oil fields, and precious stones such as rubies, jade sapphires, and pearls with the highest quality

Telecommunications Sector Reform

Policy Reform

• The Myanmar Telegraph Act 1885, The Myanmar Wireless Telegraph Act 1934 –> Telecommunications Law 2013
• Telecommunication Service License (Chapter III of Telecommunication Law) –> Anyone who is willing to provide telecommunications facilities and/or telecommunication services shall apply for permission and license

Key Objectives of Licensing Regime

• Promote competition and liberalization of the telecom sector in Myanmar
• Ensure transparency in market entrance
• Establish technology-and-service neutral approach to licensing
• Ensure non-discriminatory treatment of similarly situated licensees

Laws and Regulations

Licensing Framework Multi-service licensing framework ° to simplify licensing

Processes ° encourage entry and expansion of services and ° increase End-User access to Telecommunications Networks and Telecommunications Services.

License Type NFS (I) NS AS NFS (C)

Maximum of two Telecommunications Service Licenses NFS (C) + NS OR AS

Licensing Category

NFS license (not exhaustive)

• Terrestrial fixed-line and radio transmission
• Submarine cable facilities
• Satellite earth station facilities
• Mobile base station facilities and passive infrastructure to deploy networks

NS license (not exhaustive)

• Wireline connectivity services
• Terrestrial wireless connectivity services
• Satellite uplink/downlink connectivity services
• International and domestic network transport and switching services
• International gateway services

AS license (not exhaustive)

• Public payphone services
• Public switched data services
• Audio text hosting services provided on an opt-in basis
• Directory services
• Internet service provider services
• Messaging services and Value-added services

NFS(C) (not exhaustive)

• Towers, masts, ducts
• Trenches and poles
• Dark fibre

Type of License and Licensees

Myanmar Telecommunications Masterplan

The Myanmar Telecommunications Masterplan includes several references to universal service and the USF. Key connectivity targets for 2020 are as follows:
1) Over 90% of Myanmar population covered by a telecommunications network;
2) Over 85% of Myanmar population covered by a network that provides internet access;
3) Over 50% of Myanmar population with access to a high-speed internetconnection.

Telecom Policy and ICT Policy

Telecom Policy

• To increase the deployment of national IT infrastructure
• To provide a financially viable telecommunications sector conducive to sustainable investment in telecommunications
• infrastructure
• To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of telecommunications service delivery to end-users
• To provide telecommunication services at the affordable price
• To fulfil universal services obligation to the people of Myanmar

ICT Policy

• To promote cooperation for ICT development
• To enhance competitiveness of the ICT sectors
• To promote cooperation to reduce digital divide
• To promote cooperation between State and private sectors
• To increase the availability of information technologies to all the citizens of our country

E-Government Master Plan (2016-2020)

• MCIT has started the preparation of Myanmar e-Governance Master Plan with the support of ADB and Infosys Ltd in 2014
• Revised in 2016
• Implement by MOTC with the cooperation of the international Consultants from IDA and KPMG in 2016

Guidelines for the implementation of e-Government

• Intended to extend utility based on existing resources. (e.g., e-Government network will be built on existing fibre network along the

railway and road)

• To ensure that G2G, G2B and G2C services should meet the utility needs of citizens and businesses

Assessment of ICT and e-Government Policies

• Computer Science Development Law (1996)
• Electronic Transaction Law (2004), Amended (2014);
• The Telecommunications law (2013)

Economic Policy for ICT

• One of the National Objectives in August 2016
• To establish
  • Data ID Card System,
  • Digital Government Strategy and
  • e-Government system

DEDC Master Plan – 7 Key Sectors

1.Education and Learning
2.Healthcare and Welfare sector
3.Financial Services sector
4.Agriculture sector
5.Manufacturing sector
6.Tourism, Hospitality and Retail sector
7.Government services

Note: Digital Economy Development Committee (DEDC)

LICENSE PROCESSING TIMELINE

TELECOMS REGULATION

The Posts and Telecommunications Department (“Telecommunications Department”) under the Ministry of Transport and Communications (“MOTC”) is the telecommunications regulator in Myanmar.

The responsibilities of the Telecommunications Department include:-

• the issuance and renewal of service provider licences;
• regulation of the frequency spectrum and numbering plans;
• ensuring consumer protection;
• inspection and supervision of service providers;
• initiating administrative actions against service providers.

As part of sector reforms, the MOTC is authorised to establish the following bodies:-

National Telecommunications Advisory Committee

• Make recommendations on technical standards, consumer protection and strategic development of the telecommunications sector in Myanmar,
• To hear administrative appeals against the MOTC’s decisions.

All the guide for application and procedure and fees are here: https://ptd.gov.mm/ServicesDetail.aspx?id=18&__ncforminfo=QFFd0cALmJsGx4tqx5i3TOkiPHsyPePkuzER8TGyqpu5xZ5VSI7bhOPhJZLQpK755_bjivWgt6UL8dMKfC5frA==

All telecom and communication license application process and fees https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Services.aspx

https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Organization.aspx?id=6&__ncforminfo=6BQavN68SiGx6FG6xW3KjCj_DvM776qdD8UThT6Dnz-2exE8nTe3G58PylTHAL1iMHyTx2fiiCv18TJXExIFQ7YNLmUyoc2Y

All of telecommunication related tender call are here https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Announcement.aspx?id=2&__ncforminfo=i7C4b9XQ2ZJHJAaaVLiZ6yAW3y0hQCHR6R7XD9qufUEZ2okGRZ_fCfMeWmhKUBEnt90g8FEfgFyvMCRA1PoUwLdOj-PwoB2t

License holder list https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/12020/78536142212020_Website%20New%20%20Licence.pdf

Tower list https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/122019/9655593122019_Co.,Ltd%20Tower%20Update.pdf

List of the optical fiber path https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/112019/25121419112019_BACKBONE%20FIBER%20UPDATE%20(9-2019)%20.pdf

Microwave Band Plan (31 Jan 2019 Update) https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/22019/821915622019_Micro%20Band%20Plan%20Update(31.1.2019)English.pdf

Public Land Mobile Spectrum (31 Jan 2019 Update) https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/22019/1681015622019_Band%20plan%20Update%20(31.1.19)%20English.pdf

List of FM Station and their license https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/52019/5761315752019_FM%20(Enhlish).pdf

Toll-Free Number list https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/22019/3428161422019_Allocated%20Tollfree%20Number%20Data.pdf

Mobile numbering list https://www.ptd.gov.mm/Uploads/License/Attach/12020/4517141412020_Allocated%20Mobile%20Number%20Data%20.pdf

Telecommunications Infrastructure (August, 2017)

What is Universal Service?

* a policy goal to ensure that all people in a country have access and are able to use telecommunications services. * in particular for people living in rural and remote parts of the country and poorer households.

Specific objectives of USF

Collect funds ⇒ Design programs & projects ⇒ Finance those projects / disburse ⇒ Monitor implementation ⇒ Evaluate impact ⇒ Consult stakeholders throughout ⇒ Publish results ⇒ Publish results

Scope of Universal Service

Universal Service Strategy Outcomes

• Increasing & accelerating Voice and Internet broadband provision.
• More people have access to services & applications, as well as the capacity to use them.
• Creating opportunities for both economic & social growth.

Program 1 Infrastructure Roll-out: Voice & Broadband

Voice

• Operators will reach at least 94% by Q1, 2019
• Target: within 5 years 99% of the population to be covered by mobile signal
• Service for an additional 3.2 million people

Broadband Internet

• Target: 95% of the population will have broadband Internet within 5 years
• Total estimated subsidy cost USD 25.4 million

Program 2 ICT Capacity Building: Enabling the Digital Future

Target

• Increase capacity of population to use the Internet for their socio-economic benefit and Myanmar development
• Many links between increased ICT capacity and economic growth and social development

Two Sub-Programs

• Broadband Internet connectivity for various learning & other institutions
• Digital literacy project with eligible local organizations

Program 3 Special Programs

Purpose

• integrate other aspects of universal service which won’t fit in Program 1&2
• Explore new approaches to be used later in mainstream program

Types of Special Projects

• ICT content, service or application for development for rural users/ lower income groups
• Improved access/ usability for persons with disabilities
• Small pilot for broadband connectivity (e.g., rural hospitals)
• Any other pilot or research projects

Proposed Pilot

• Funding to translate special software to assist persons with disabilities to use
• ICT – RFP process

USF Progress

• Universal Service Strategy (Final)
• Guideline for USF
• Public Consultation
• Implementing Pilot Project
• Implementing Universal Service Strategy

THE TELECOMS LAW The Telecommunications Law No. 31/2013 (“Telecoms Law”) was introduced on 8 October 2013, providing a modern regulatory framework for Myanmar’s telecommunications sector. The Telecoms Law regulates network facility services, network service providers and application service providers.

THE LICENSING RULES The Telecoms Law is supplemented by Notification No. 16/2014 (Licensing Rules) issued by the then Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of the Union Government (MCIT), which introduced rules and regulations in respect of licensing as well as the implementing regulations to the Telecoms Law. The Telecoms Law and Licensing Rule have been augmented by the following legislation

Note: MCIT reorganized as Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) Notification No. 9/2016 (25 May 2016)

Other laws and regulations related to Telecom sector in Myanmar

1. http://www.mcpt.gov.mm/mcpt/myanmar-telegraph-act.htm
2. http://www.mcpt.gov.mm/mcpt/myanmar-wireless-telegraphy-act.htm
3. http://www.mcpt.gov.mm/mcpt/miscellaneous.htm
4. http://www.mcpt.gov.mm/mcpt/amendment.htm
5. http://www.mcpt.gov.mm/mcpt/myanmar-computer-science-development-law.htm
6. http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un-dpadm/unpan041197.pdf
7. http://www.mcpt.gov.mm/mcpt/miscellaneous.html
8. http://www.mcit.gov.mm/content/telecommunications-law.html
9. https://www.motc.gov.mm/sites/default/files/1%20-%20MCIT%20-%20Final%20Licensing%20Rules%20-%20122013%20CLEAN.pdf
10. https://www.motc.gov.mm/sites/default/files/3%20-%20MCIT%20-%20Annex%20B%20-%20Proposed%20Interconnection%20Rules%20-%2011113.pdf
11. https://www.motc.gov.mm/sites/default/files/3%20-%20MCIT%20-%20Final%20Spectrum%20Rules%20-%20122213%20CLEAN-1.pdf
12. https://www.motc.gov.mm/sites/default/files/4-%20MCIT%20-%20Final%20Numbering%20Rules%20-%20%20122213%20CLEAN-1.pdf
13. https://www.motc.gov.mm/sites/default/files/5%20-%20MCIT%20-%20Final%20Competition%20Rules%20-%20122213%20CLEAN.pdf