Conclusion
The purpose of the technical delegation’s visit to
Myanmar was to gather quantitative, qualitative, and
anecdotal data from within the country. The analysis
here is intended to identify a baseline of media and
communication indicators during this period of
transition, which will help future efforts to benchmark
Myanmar’s progress in communication infrastructure
and freedom of expression. We position this report as
the opening of an ongoing research process in which
others will update, expand, and build on the findings
here. While this report does not seek to provide an
action plan for advocacy, it does seek to highlight the
challenges and opportunities currently facing
Myanmar as the country strives to evolve.
Key Findings
Some key findings include:
-
Little to no separation between government
regulators and communication operators;
-
Lack of regional and local technology education
and access programs;
-
Limited number of independent local media
outlets;
-
Lack of existing safeguards for intermediaries such
as Internet Service Providers;
-
Lack of legal protections for freedom of speech
and journalists;
-
Unsafe communication environment for transfer of
confidential information;
-
Low citizen access to the government's internal
decision-making process;
-
Insufficient short- and medium-term goals to
increase end-user Internet access and
communication infrastructure;
-
Imbalance of network capacity along with priority
for public institutions over small businesses and
individuals;
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