Land rights have become a sensitive issue in Myanmar due to widespread “land grabs” by the previous military government and their business associates over the past decades. Tower and base station construction is not as disruptive or on the same scale as an industrial estate or a rubber plantation. However, determining land ownership is a challenge.
Some 20,000 towers are expected to be built across the country in the next few years. Tower construction impacts on land rights, labour rights and health and safety. Operators contract other companies to build the towers, and these companies also sub-contract. As the ability to monitor suppliers becomes more difficult further down the chain, it can be a challenge for companies to ensure rights are respected. Telenor recently conducted an online sustainability report update and was frank about the supply chain challenges they face, which is to be commended.