Digitalizing Myanmar: Connectivity Developments in Political Transitions
Abstract
In the midst of rapid socio-political transition, Myanmar is building its telecommunications infrastructure
by opening its market to international mobile companies and engaging in national regulatory reform. With
one of the lowest internet and mobile subscriber rates in the world, Myanmar faces multiple challenges in
building connectivity from both an infrastructural and a policy perspective. Telecom developments could
play a significant role in modernizing the country as it emerges from decades of political repression, and
although the domestic connectivity plan is moving forward, several challenges need to be dealt with
quickly in order to ensure a safe and accessible digital environment. This paper explores connectivity
developments in Myanmar, paying particular attention to the opening of the mobile market to international
companies, the launch of the new national telecom law, and the development of policies securing digital
rights.
Keywords
Connectivity Building, Internet Governance, Telecom Regulation, Internet and Human Rights, Freedom of
Expression, Digital Privacy, Corporate Social Responsibility
Disciplines
Communication
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This report is available at ScholarlyCommons: https://repository.upenn.edu/internetpolicyobservatory/6