The operator formed a joint venture with China Mobile and was preparing to deliver its formal bid to Burmese authorities on Monday. On Friday morning, however, Vodafone said it had agreed with China Mobile to pull out, saying the opportunity does not either company’s “strict internal investment criteria”. The 11th-hour decision comes amid criticism of the process from human rights groups, who argue Burma’s laws do not yet offer protection to telecoms companies, their investors or potential customers.