Satellite backhaul in Myanmar: Who is confused?


Posted by on June 3, 2018  /  0 Comments

A trade publication, Satellite Today, has written about an agreement between a satellite provider and the Ministry of Transport and Communication of Myanmar.

Under the new multi-year, multi-transponder agreement, Intelsat 39 will host both C- and Ku-band satellite services for Myanmarsat-2, which will enable the government of Myanmar to significantly enhance its existing network as well as the networks of other mobile operators and media companies. This will advance the expansion of affordable, high-speed broadband and internet connectivity to government agencies, businesses and communities throughout the country. It will also support and advance the MOTC’s goal of ensuring that 95 percent of its population will have access to broadband connectivity by 2022.

By integrating satellite solutions into its own mobile networks, the MOTC will be able to dramatically increase its overall network bandwidth, speed and reliability as it expands 3G and 4G services into the more remote areas of Myanmar. In addition, it will satisfy e-government requirements and ensure that communities have access to a broad range of government services, including healthcare and education. The satellite will also provide critical e-banking services as well as distribute informative and entertaining content to viewers throughout Myanmar.

Those who know the sector in Myanmar will find some of the language a little confused. MPT is government owned but it is effectively a joint venture with KDDI. The independent regulatory agency that was promised for 2015 is several years behind schedule, but the PTD under the Ministry is functioning as the de facto regulator. In its eyes, MPT should have no special standing. Myanmar has four operators, one of whom has government ownership. The MOPT does not offer any mobile services.

So what is Satellite Today talking about?

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