Draft Myanmar Universal Service Strategy: Comments from Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business In its September 2015 Sector Wide Impact Assessment (SWIA) on the Information and Communication Technology sector in Myanmar1, MCRB recommended that Myanmar accelerate the implementation of Myanmar’s universal service commitments and in particular      Publically disclose the current national rollout requirements for operators, compared with their current progress. Build on lessons learned in the World Bank supported programme of extending connectivity to rural areas. Develop a Universal Service Strategy, as a first step in the implementation of Chapter XV of the 2013 Telecommunications Law. Consult widely, including with ethnic minorities and disadvantaged groups such as people with disabilities, to identify priority areas for the rollout of telecommunications service (both mobile and fixed line broadband service), for inclusion in the Universal Service Strategy and Fund. Clarify how the Universal Service Fund will support Myanmar’s commitment to the Alliance for Affordable Internet, which is focused on realising entry-level broadband priced at less than 5% of monthly income, particularly in rural communities Consider allocating Universal Service Funds to support community-based telecommunications networks and provide wireless spectrum concessions to remote rural communities where telecommunications service is currently inaccessible. This will help promote the development of low-cost community-based telecommunications networks for last mile or last inch connectivity. In line with MCRB’s objective of working with other partners to increase the network of civil society organisations interested in digital rights, on 18-19 January 2018 MCRB together with Phandeeya, MIDO, Engage Media, co-hosted a second Digital Right Forum for around 130 participants.2 At the Forum, the question of equal universal access was discussed. MCRB/MIDO briefed participants on the current consultation process on the Universal Service Strategy. Participants were polled on their views on equality of online access in Myanmar, with 59% seeing an improvement in equality of access, 27% believing it to be unchanged, and 14% believing it had deteriorated. MCRB therefore welcomes the steps which the government is taking to adopt a Universal Service Strategy and establish a Universal Service Fund, and the public consultation on this issue. MCRB particularly welcomes the fact that the draft Strategy already reflects many of the points previously raised by MCRB and others in discussions, including in the Digital Rights Forum, about remote populations who should be able to enjoy equal access as well as others excluded such as people with disabilities who will benefit from Program 3. We broadly welcome the approach outlined in the draft Strategy. 1 http://www.myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org/swia/ict.html 2 http://www.myanmar-responsiblebusiness.org/news/digital-rights-forum-2018.html