Myanmar to Own First Satellite in Five Years Time

Myanmar’s Deputy Minister H.E. U Thaung Tin of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology delivering a keynote speech at the 2014 Myanmar Satellite Forum. Photo: CommuniCast Myanmar

[Via Satellite 12-11-2014] Myanmar’s government has outlined a plan to develop and orbit the country’s first satellite in five years. The country is looking to leverage private industry to move forward with the spacecraft efficiently.

“While the national priority is for Myanmar to have its own satellite, it is also important that, by opening the market, the ministry enhances the development of the broader [Information and Communication Technology] ICT industry,” said Deputy Minister H.E. U Thaung Tin of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Myanmar. “Although there is no timeline for the launch of a satellite, the selection process will follow that of the international mobile licenses, with an open, fair and transparent tendering process, followed by public consultation.”

Myanmar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has the goal of increasing the country’s teledensity from about 20 percent in 2014 to 75 percent in financial year 2015-2016. The country is looking to open up markets in broadcasting, telecommunications and banking.