Digitalizing Myanmar: Connectivity Developments in Political Transitions – Andrea Calderaro control parts of this area, making these remote sections of Myanmar even more inaccessible and troubling to mobile tower suppliers involved in infrastructure construction. Additionally, Myanmar will face challenges in creating and implementing telecommunication and regulatory reforms. For countries in political transition, increased connectivity, despite its benefits, has the potential to expose citizens to increased government surveillance and control. A regulatory framework ensuring the freedom of expression and citizens’ right to privacy, should thus accompany the development of Myanmar’s telecom infrastructure. International telecom operators involved in development will also play an important part in ensuring citizens’ freedoms. With this in mind, the fast development of telecommunication infrastructure and international mobile operators’ adherence to corporate social responsibility in Myanmar must be closely monitored. This paper examines the release of a new national telecom law and the role played by various actors involved in this multistakeholder approach. 2. Connectivity Plan In the first months after the power shift in August 2011, the new Myanmar government identified the development of national mobile and internet connectivity as a key priority for modernizing the country. The various stages of the telecom reform reflect the government’s dual-goal of both connecting the country quickly while respecting international standards of securing telecom reform through a fair and transparent process. 3