Mobile phones are expensive, negotiating with ministries

Dr. Nanda Hla Myint, Head of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Information and Public Relations Committee, Chairman of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Transportation, Communication, Digital Technology and Science Committee, and Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Representative for Kalaw Constituency, stated that discussions are being held with relevant organizations and ministries to enable citizens to purchase mobile phones at more affordable prices, in response to the price surge of imported mobile phones due to the CEIR system. Dr. Nanda Hla Myint made these remarks when meeting with the media after a press conference on the activities of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw held on August 1st. Dr. Nanda Hla Myint said that if the negotiations are successful, citizens will be able to purchase mobile phones at more affordable prices. Since March, all mobile phones imported from abroad have been allowed for use only after registration with the Central Mobile Equipment Identification Registration System (CEIR). As a result, the prices of mobile phones imported after March 31st have increased by at least over 100,000 kyats to tens of millions of kyats, depending on the model. Prices have also risen in the used mobile phone market.