Ooredoo announced free mobile HD voice calls and “fast internet” in three Myanmar cities as it nears full commercial launch.

To take advantage of the offer, which started 2 August and runs to 14 August, customers must have a compatible device to the operator’s 3G network (900MHz) and buy a SIM card priced at MMK1,500 ($1.50).

The free service is available in the Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw and Yangon areas.

“We are confident that the feedback from our new customers will assist us greatly in enhancing our network in time for our commercial launch,” said Ross Cormack, CEO of Ooredoo Myanmar.

Full commercial launch starts 15 August. Ooredoo says it will have HD voice and internet access available in 68 towns and cities by then.

Ooredoo is to charge pre-paid calls, running over its network, at MMK25 per minute. Pre-paid calls to any other network in Myanmar will cost MMK35 per minute. Texts will cost MMK25 each. Internet access is pegged at MMK25 per MB.

More pricing details will be announced on 14 August, including bundled offers.

Qatar-headquartered Ooredoo, along with Telenor, fought off stiff international competition to win a telecommunications licence in Myanmar last year.

Speaking recently with Mobile World Live, Nick Swierzy, chief strategy officer for Ooredoo’s Myanmar operation, acknowledged that getting the Myanmar operation up and running – on a profitable basis – is far from easy.

“We’re building everything from the ground up,” he said. This includes basic infrastructure, the training of national employees, and working with relevant (but inexperienced) authorities on the coordination of network build.

Telenor is also lining up for a September launch in Myanmar.

Watch Mobile World Live‘s special video feature on the launch of new mobile networks in Myanmar here.