Introduction Myanmar, a country with rapidly rising citizen demand for technological freedom, is poised at a crucial juncture: will government reforms improve communication and media freedoms, or will a lack of institutional capacity and political will maintain the status quo and stymie progress? Currently, proposed government regulation is set to improve communication infrastructure and increase freedom of information, both of which underlie many of the free speech challenges existing within the country today. The debate has shifted from whether these changes will occur, to how soon they will be made. In spite of this fundamental shift in the political climate, many questions remain as to whether Myanmar’s current government will relinquish operational control of the communications industry and harness the type of private sector investment necessary to modernize its infrastructure. In 2012, the government released a draft law intended to expand the telecommunications sector by attracting outside investment. Historically, the government has relied on controlling this asset to monitor the population, resisting policy that would promote citizens’ liberties and personal autonomy. Moreover, the law proposes to maintain the government’s broad powers limiting citizens’ freedom of speech. Despite these points of concern, recent investigations into corruption within the state-operated telecommunications entity support the government’s commitment to change.1 It remains to be seen whether the government can improve citizens’ freedom of speech and security, and increase levels of private investment. 1 See Aung Hla Tun, “Myanmar launches major graft probe at telecoms ministry,” Reuters, Jan. 24, 2013, http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/24/us-myanmar-telecoms-idUSBRE90N0CK20130124. 4