(Oslo 26 September 2014) Telenor Group has announced that it will begin connecting customers in Myanmar on Saturday, September 27. The day marks the official roll-out of Telenor's network, starting in the nation's second-largest city of Mandalay. Telenor will then continue towards the metropolitan hubs of Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon, and thereafter expand into more towns, villages and rural areas.
 
"It is rewarding for Telenor Group to be able to contribute to the rapid development of a nation by providing essential infrastructure that will drive connectivity and new opportunities for Myanmar. Telenor is excited to introduce products and services that will include everyone in the country's digital future, and fuel innovation and entrepreneurship," said Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO of Telenor Group. 
 
Telenor Group will build upon its proven mass-market strategy and distinct distribution model that enables direct contact with retailers and customers across the country. This strategy is further driven by the local know-how of Telenor's more than 400 employees in Myanmar, 80% of who are Myanmar nationals.

Services available in more than 1,500 outlets across Mandalay
 
At a company event on Thursday, more than 1,500 new distributors and sales partners gathered for final preparations for the launch, gearing up to enter the streets of Mandalay.
 
While opening in Mandalay, Telenor is also getting ready to expand its coverage and will shortly be switching on its network in Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon. Close to nine million people live in these three main cities, and within weeks Telenor services will be available in more than 12,000 outlets. Telenor will then continue its expansion to other cities and regions as more base stations are completed. Telenor is committed to bring mobile connectivity to more than percent of the population within five years.
 
"Opening in Mandalay is a major milestone for Telenor Group and for Telenor in Myanmar. We made a commitment to launch affordable and accessible mobile services within eight months of receiving our license. By opening up our network in Mandalay on Saturday we are taking the first step to contributing towards providing everyone in Myanmar with high-quality connectivity," says Petter-Børre Furberg, Telenor's CEO in Myanmar. "I am confident that we are entering the market with a competitive and attractive offering both for voice and mobile data."
 
Offering affordable voice and data services
 
Telenor will deliver affordable voice, data and value-added services over 2G and 3G technologies,, designed for the mass-market. A SIM card will cost 1500 Kyat (USD 1.5) and will be available along with top-up cards at all points of sale. Customers can call international numbers and roam when traveling abroad. Calls to any number in Myanmar will cost 25 Kyat per minute.
 
View picture of Telenor Myanmar CEO Petter-Børre Furberg:
http://www.telenor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Myanmar-launch-pic_Petter-on-stage.jpg

For more information
Tor Odland
Telenor Group, region Asia
Tel: +65 9777 4782 (Singapore)
Tel: +66 (0) 82479 4242 (Thailand)
tor.odland@telenor.com




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Source: Telenor via Globenewswire

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