2016 Fifty-six percent of those who were using multiple SIMs said they did this to get coverage wherever they went. This sentiment was echoed in both urban and rural areas, though it was more prevalent in rural areas and small townships. The proportion of respondents who stated that they owned multiple SIMs for cheaper or free calls and SMS was twice as large as those stating they owned it for cheaper or free data services. (Figure 47) (Both these sentiments were echoed in our qualitative research in July 2016). “I can’t use MPT at the office. I use Telenor because Telenor transmission towers are placed on our office roof. I can use both SIMs outside.” Nay Lwin (male, 22, SEC C, urban) “I use Telenor for using call packages than data packages. I sometimes buy MPT’s plan when it gives additional 1 GB bonus for 1 GB package buying.” Su Myat (female, 26, SEC B, urban) Source: Cihon & Galpaya (2017) Reason for having more than one SIM card 3 51 7 14 56 15 So that I can get coverage anywhere I go To get cheaper or free calls and SMS If I run out of credit on one connection, then I use the other one To get cheaper or free data services One connection is for my business contacts, the other is for my personal ones It was free so I just got it Other Figure 47: Primary reason for having more than one SIM card (% of multi SIM owners aged 15-65) ICTs in Myanmar: 2016 59