2 Donor Programmes: The Asian Development Bank’s support to the E-Governance Master Plan See Section B below. B. Policy Frameworks Guiding Myanmar’s ICT Sector The 2012–2015 Framework for Economic and Social Reform (FESR) President Thein Sein’s post-election political, economic and administrative reforms were formalised in the Government’s 2012–2015 Framework for Economic and Social Reform (FESR) 70 which is meant to be a ‘reform bridge’ linking current reform programmes to the Government's twenty-year national development plan. The FESR identifies priority sectors and potential ‘quick wins’, is meant to serve as a reference in developing sectoral and regional plans, and provides a steer for development cooperation with international partners. 71 The FESR identifies improving mobile phone and Internet services quickly “to help people access information, create business opportunities, lower transaction costs and enhance social interaction” as one of its important ‘quick wins.’ It sets an ambitious target of reaching 80% mobile phone penetration by 2015 and identifies two dimensions of policy reform that are particularly important for a rapid and successful expansion in penetration rates: first, full liberalisation of the market, including opening up to foreign as well as domestic investors; and second, creating an effective regulatory system that ensures competition among suppliers and minimises prices charged to customers. 72 The Government’s ambitious plans to upgrade its Internet infrastructure is presented as a means to allow a comprehensive e-strategy for leapfrogging in a number of areas: educational programs, Government regulation and knowledge management. The FESR highlights the on-going process of preparing a medium to long term plan for the sector (see below on the different ICT-related Master Plans) and drafting of a Telecommunications Act (adopted in 2013 and now in force, see below) that clearly sets out how the Government will separate the policy, regulatory and operational roles of the Government in the sector and establish an independent regulator. 73 The FESR focuses on market liberalisation and infrastructure improvements as key drivers of increased mobile penetration and economic development. It recognises the importance of providing digital services such as mobile money, but does not acknowledge the need for security safeguards to protect users and businesses. As the ICT sector has 70 Government of Myanmar, “Framework for Economic and Social Reform - Policy Priorities for 2012-2015 towards the Long-Term Goals of the National Comprehensive Development Plan (FESR)” (January 2013). 71 Tin Maung Maung Than, “Introductory Overview: Myanmar's Economic Reforms”, Journal of Southeast Asian Economies, Vol. 31, No. 2 (August 2014). 72 Government of Myanmar, “Framework for Economic and Social Reform - Policy Priorities for 2012-2015 towards the Long-Term Goals of the National Comprehensive Development Plan (FESR)” (January 2013).para. 8. 73 Ibid, para. 78. 62 PAGE CHAPTER 2: ICT GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, POLICIES & LEGAL FRAMEWORK