Facebook and its subsidiary WhatsApp have promised to get tougher on “fake news” ahead of key elections in Asia, but critics question whether the new policies can stop viral disinformation from influencing the outcomes. Both companies have faced outrage over issues related to misuse and accountability, and this year’s polls could prove a crucial test […]
The land of the $20 smartphone
March 31, 2017 by
“This one $40, this one $30 … that one $20!” The owner of the street stall, a man of about 30 years wearing a traditional longyi tied around his waist, is gesturing at a phone that looks, to my eyes, like a mid-range Android phone. It bears the brand Singtech, a brand among myriad others […]
Telenor Shifts Myanmar Focus to Data Services as ‘Hyper growth’ era ends
November 4, 2016 by
YANGON (Reuters) – Norwegian telecoms company Telenor will focus on improving data services in Myanmar, the head of the local business said on Wednesday, as an era of rapid subscriber growth following the opening up of the economy has ended. The liberalization of Myanmar’s telecoms sector has been a rare example of successful reform since […]
Burma market potential lures Thai investors
February 27, 2015 by
Convenience and modernisation are major factors for Thai companies keen to attract Burma consumers, says market research and consulting firm Envirosell Thailand. Partnering with Index Creative Village Plc, New York-based Envirosell conducted consumer research in Burma and other Asean members. Managing director Sarinporn Jiwanun said people in Burma are shifting to modern lifestyles driven by […]
Viber focuses on Myanmar market where its user base has grown exponentially in 3 years to 5 million.
July 30, 2014 by
I attended the media event held by Viber in Yangon this afternoon. Viber is the mobile messaging company that was bought over by Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten for US$900 million early this year. The team led by Miss Crystal Lee – Viber Country Manager for Philippines showed impressive Myanmar market share figure from OnDevice’s research […]
How will the entry of two telcos affect Myanmar citizens?
July 9, 2013 by
The awarding of two new telecom licenses is a watershed in Myanmar’s road to modernization. It is expected to bring competition and innovation to an otherwise sleepy telecom sector that has been a disappointment to the Myanmar people and a drag on the economy for many years. Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) and Yatanarpon will […]
What does an 80% mobile penetration in 3 years mean for the Burmese people?
April 19, 2013 by
President Thein Sein has set as a target to grow mobile penetration from the current single digit penetration to 80% in 3 years. What does that mean in terms of the number of mobile phone that need to be sold per year to hit the 80% target? What is the impact of the entrance of […]
