Mizzima News

Chiang Mai – State-run Myanmar Telecom Department has been issuing large numbers of CDMA 450 MHz mobile phones, in the wake of their rising popularity in Rangoon. The prices of these phones have also registered a sharp hike.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, the Myanmar Telecom Department started issuing these phones since they were coastal area compliant and were convenient for communication. With the government issuing more such phones, the prices of these gadgets are also on the rise.

"Now the government is issuing mostly these phones. In last month alone, about 10,000 such phones have been issued," an official from the Myanmar Post and Telegraph Department, told Mizzima, on condition of anonymity.

These new phones are popular among customers as these phones are as good as GSM mobile phones as far as connectivity is concerned.

"The voice clarity of these phones is better than other mobile phones. But it also has the 'out of range' problem like other phones, "a local resident from Rangoon said.

Earlier, these CDMA phones were issued mainly to the companies operating in storm-hit areas for relief and rehabilitation work. Then these phones become popular among the customers as they could be used in cities like Rangoon also.

"It is as convenient as GSM phones in connectivity. The prices have risen from Kyat 1.7 million to 2 million now," a coastal phone user from Rangoon told Mizzima.

According to mobile phone dealers, the profit margin of these coastal phones is better than other phones. "The official price of these coastal phones is just Kyat 1.1 million. Now it has increased to 2.5 million as it is becoming more popular among customers," a mobile phone dealer said.

The previous market price of the coastal phone was Kyat 1.7-1.8 million as compared to the official GSM price which is Kyat 1.55 million while its market price is Kyat. 2-2.5 million.

The mobile phones used in Burma are GSM ones having numbers starting with 09 80 xxxxx, wireless CDMA with base unit (popularly known in Burma as basket phone) and TDMA phones having numbers starting with 09 99 xxxx. The current CDMA phones are of 450 MHz frequency.

Coastal phones need the base unit and its SIM cards and handsets are different from GSM phones. It can be used without base unit in Rangoon and coastal areas. But it needs the base unit in areas, which are far away from cell towers like Twante and Syriam, the phone users said.

Currently these coastal phones are operating in about 50 cities including Pathein, Maubin, Bogale, Pyapon and Haigyi Island.

Mobile phone applications need to be submitted to the Manager of Rangoon Division Communication Department and the Rangoon Division Commander.

The phone allotments shall be confirmed by the Rangoon Division Regional Command and issued by the Communication Department. The applicants, who have close proximity with higher authorities have a better chance in getting these phones and others can get it through drawing lots, a person close to the Communication Department said.