Burma to Allow International Text Messaging

It has been reported that mobile phone users in the reclusive country of Burma (Myanmar) can now send SMSs overseas, but only via a government approved website. International SMSs direct from mobile phones is still banned.

"GSM phones in foreign countries can now send test messages to Burma," a E-Trade Myanmar Company employee told The Irrawaddy. Users will however have to register their details before being allowed to send or receive text messages - and it can be presumed that the messages will be monitored by the military government.

Using a website service bypasses the need for the mobile operator to secure interconnection with a GSM roaming provider, which could have proven politically difficult for the overseas suppliers. 

The state owned operator doubled its network capacity during the year - although it was not clear who provided the equipment. The original GSM network was provided by Siemens and ZTE.

The number of mobile phones in Burma reached around 266,000 at the end of 2007.

A 3G network was recently launched in Burma based on the WCDMA standard. However, only 50 handsets have been issued - usually to the military junta. Previous reports had suggested that a 3G network was being built covering Yangon but was expected to have a capacity for 30,000 subscribers.

Mobile phones were repeatedly shut down during the pro-democracy protests in the country during Sept 2007.

On the web: The Irrawaddy

Posted to the site on 22nd August 2008