information society within a shorter time than seen before in other countries. There is a good possibility that it can skip the voice-only stage and move directly to “more-than-voice” if forward movement is achieved on major elements of the Internet eco system in parallel. Figure 1: Internet eco system To the best of our knowledge, this “all-fronts” approach is novel. Up to now, LIRNEasia’s interventions have been mostly focused on making available affordable connectivity services. Limited efforts have also been made on developing attractive content and applications. MIDO’s efforts have also been focused on these two fronts. LIRNEasia is a research and capacity building organization that has for some time worked together with MIDO, which is a hybrid research and advocacy organization and which is well connected to other entities promoting ICT activities in Myanmar. The two organizations, working in tandem, can successfully execute the initiatives described below. Expected outcomes from combined actions  Internet subscriptions and users8 per 100 will be above the average of comparator countries (see Annex 1; Bangladesh and Cambodia may be added) 3.1 Infrastructure enabling affordable connectivity services The telecom reforms implemented by the government in 2013-14 are the most important element of the eco-system. The momentum achieved by the successful, if incomplete, reforms constitute the necessary conditions for movement on the other elements of the eco system. Taking broadband networks beyond the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay triangle and the other urban centers requires energy-sector reforms. Without the 60+ percent of households currently lacking access to electricity and the energy-costs of maintaining base stations in rural Myanmar being brought 8 ITU indicators in this area are problematic. But they will be the default measure. Additional measures will also be used. 8