HGC Granted Permission to Provide International Data and Voice Services in Myanmar

- Market liberalisation sees HGC become the first overseas telecoms operator to serve Myanmar

HONG KONG, Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hutchison Global Communications Limited (HGC), the international fixed-line business division of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited (HTHKH; HKex stock code: 215) today announced that it has been granted permission to provide international data and voice services in Myanmar through co-operation with an authorised Myanma Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) respresentative.

Myanmar welcomes foreign players following local telecoms liberalisation

Myanmar's MPT awarded new telecoms licences following liberalisation of the local market earlier this year. Under the revised regulations, Myanmar welcomes both domestic and foreign operators, which were previously prohibited from entering the market. These latest moves herald a new era of development for Myanmar's telecoms market.

HGC is first foreign telecoms provider to serve Myanmar's data and voice markets

HGC's newly-awarded permission means it becomes the first foreign telecoms operator, after liberalisation, to provide Myanmar with data and voice services. These include International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) and the introduction of technology-neutral Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) for the provision of Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP-VPN) data services. In addition, HGC has established direct voice interconnection with MPT and is now authorised to terminate traffic into Myanmar. Liberalisation has sparked increasing demand for Myanmar people to communicate internationally -- and HGC is able to meet that demand by offering premium grade voice services. This means Myanmar will benefit from enhanced and affordable international data and voice connectivity with the rest of the world. 

HGC has a strong track record in Myanmar's telecoms sector

The move also underscores HGC's tradition as a pioneer in providing telecoms services to Myanmar, which began with provision of the nation's first IP-VPN service in 2008. HGC has also served as one of the country's major Internet backbone service providers since 2007. Over the years, HGC has provided international voice services to Myanmar under bilateral voice agreements. This has seen passage of a high volume of in-and-out voice traffic, and suggests even greater potential for expansion of our services.

More Myanmar data and voice services strengthen HGC's GMS network capability

Myanmar is also one of the five core Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) member nations, along with Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The GMS data network service was established by HGC in 2010, since when many carriers and corporate customers have used this facility to connect with the rest of the world. Recently-granted permission further enables HGC to develop a stronger market presence in Myanmar as well as to empower the country with greater and comprehensive international connectivity. This will help cope with emerging communications needs not only in Myanmar but also the wider Greater Mekong Subregion.

Improvement to Myanmar's connectivity with the world's major business hubs

Myanmar's telecoms connectivity with the rest of the world will be strengthened by HGC's deployment of various network paths, comprising submarine and terrestrial cables. This diverse networking capability enables HGC to connect Myanmar with Asia, Europe and the US, as well as other global destinations, while providing sophisticated international reach in a more reliable and speedy manner. Another advantage is more direct and efficient interconnections between Myanmar and other Asian business hubs, especially neighbouring markets in Southeast Asia and the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Consolidating HGC's first-mover advantage in the region

Andrew Kwok, HGC's President of International Business, said: "Our stronger presence in Myanmar has reinforced HGC's position as a first mover in the region. Today's news means more data and voice connections to Myanmar will bolster our already well-established GMS network connectivity. In fact, HGC was the first overseas network operator to provide international telecoms services in the region. Our richness of expertise and international telecoms market know-how makes us very confident of providing Myanmar with reasonably-priced one-stop-shop data and voice solutions, as well as total network diversity, stringent service levels and extensive connections to our fully-fledged global network."

For more details, please call HGC sales hotline on +852-2128-2349 or email ibmarketing@hgc-intl.com.

About Hutchison Global Communications Limited

Hutchison Global Communications Limited (HGC) owns one of the largest fibre-to-the-building telecommunications networks in Hong Kong. Since establishment in 1995, it has been fully committed to building its own 100% optical fibre network infrastructure and introducing the most advanced facilities. Coupled with its four cross-border routes integrated with all three of mainland China's tier-one telecommunications operators and world-class international network, HGC provides a comprehensive range of fixed-line telecommunications services locally and overseas. HGC is a subsidiary of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings Limited (HTHKH; Stock Code: 215). HTHKH is a leading integrated telecommunications service operator, offering mobile and fixed-line services to local and international customers. For more information on HGC, please visit www.hgc.com.hk. For more information on HTHKH, please visit www.hthkh.com.