Myanmar has not laid fiber optic cables
Myanmar has already laid extensive fiber optic cables domestically and is expanding international submarine connections.Domestic Fiber Optic NetworkMyanmar has developed a substantial domestic fiber optic backbone, with over 42,000 km of fiber-optic network laid nationwide, connecting urban areas and major cities . The main provider, MPT, offers fixed-broadband services using ADSL and optical fiber, with speeds up to 100 Mbps in urban centers . Several ISPs also provide fixed-wireless and fiber-optic connections, and cross-border terrestrial fiber links exist with China, India, and Thailand . These networks have significantly improved Myanmar's internet capacity, increasing international connectivity from around 30 Gbps to over 440 Gbps by 2018 .International Submarine CablesMyanmar is connected to multiple undersea cables, including SEAMEWE-3, Asia–Africa–Europe 1, and SEAMEWE-5, with additional submarine links under construction to Thailand . Recently, the first privately-operated submarine cable project from Singapore began operations, enhancing international connectivity and supporting high-speed data transmission . These projects are critical for integrating Myanmar into regional and global digital networks.Ongoing Expansion ProjectsThe Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has supported large-scale fiber optic projects in Myanmar, including a 4,000 km network across six states and eight metropolitan areas, and an earlier 4,500 km network completed in 2017 . These initiatives aim to connect rural and low-income urban populations, with the broader goal of achieving a mobile-first, digitally connected nation. By 2023, Myanmar planned a 32,000 km national fiber optic network, with over half already completed .SummaryContrary to the notion that Myanmar has not laid fiber optic cables, the country has extensive domestic fiber networks, cross-border terrestrial links, and multiple international submarine cable connections. Ongoing projects continue to expand coverage, particularly in rural areas, aiming to improve broadband access and digital connectivity nationwide .