followed by calls via mobile phones (15%) and the Internet (9%). A shift from the use of mobile phones to the
Internet was observed between 2015 and 2016.
Perceived benefits and costs of phone use
The ability to act or contact others in the case of an emergency was the biggest perceived improvement since the
use of the mobile phone. Users also saw a comparatively large improvement in social and familial relations with
the use of mobile phones. Concerns on mobile access and use remained, particularly regarding the costs
associated with mobile phones and the risk of children being exposed to inappropriate content.
%
Digital skills
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
11
22
25
21
21
25
18
19
7
Can, with help from
someone else
Can, by myself
21
Search for Install an Create log-in Locate and Post any
informauon applicauon details (user) adjust
informauon
or other
(‘app’)
and a
sexngs on on online
content on
password
an
the Internet/
applicauon
online
or service
Figure 6: Digital skills in 2016 (% of mobile phone owners)
Digital skills among mobile handset owners were low. Approximately a fifth of mobile owners were able to search
for information, install applications, create log-in details, locate and adjust settings on an application or post
information online by themselves. Although the ability to carry out these tasks improved with the help of
another.
The full slideset can be accessed in Annex 12
3.2 Demand side research: Qualitative
3.2.1 Gender and ICTs
LIRNEasia’s 2015 survey on ICT use and information needs showed how men in Myanmar were 29% more likely
to own a phone than women. Qualitative research was carried out to understand the reasons for this gender gap.
The research (jointly conducted by LIRNEasia and GSMA Connected Women) showed that women in Myanmar
play a prominent role in the management of household finances, even if they do not earn anything themselves.
Their key role is to ensure household income is spent prudently, and they often prioritize the needs of other