[SatNews] Approximately nine million people live in the three main cities, within weeks services will be available in more than 12,000 outlets.

This is 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. 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 percent of whom are Myanmar nationals.

At a company event last week, 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.

"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," said Telenor Group President and CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas.
 
"Opening in Mandalay is a major milestone for Telenor Group and for Telenor in Myanmar,” said Telenor's CEO in Myanmar Petter-Børre Furberg. “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. I am confident that we are entering the market with a competitive and attractive offering both for voice and mobile data."

For additional information, please visit the Telenor Group infosite at http://www.telenor.com