To Ko Okkar

[hag2@xxxxxxxxxxx]

At 09:00 PM 10/20/98 -0400, you wrote:
MYANMAR INFORMATION COMMITTEE: PRIVATE SECTOR IN BURMA SOON TO HAVE
INTERNET ACCESS 
14 October, 1998 from <OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx> 

Information Sheet No. A-648(I)

SPDC is following the foot step of Singapore and Malaysia because both
countries monitors all the messages through internet.  Singapore has been
helping SPDC since 1996 by setting up a sophisticated machines and sent
technicians for monitoring electronic mail.  The correct guidance of the
government means to censor the in coming and out going news.  It said  "As
a means of encouragement to the development of computer technology, the
Government has granted permission to import computers with
very little tariff by classifying them as education aids and priority
items. In this way, tens of thousands of computers are imported annually
and are widely used by the Government, private, economic and social
organizations all over the country."  It sound very very good.  But first
the SPDC need to lift the law and regulations which do not allow the
computers with modems and second, it need to reduce the price of the
Internet monthly fee which is higher than the US rate.  In the US the
Internet fee is only 20 dollars per month but SPDC charge 80 dollars per
month.  US living standards and Burma's is not compartable but the cost of
internet user are four times higher than the US.  Today one dollars worth
400 kyats and 80 dollars worth 80X400= 32000 kyats.  The salary of the
ordinary family can get 2000 kyat per month.  How can those people access
the internet?  It is catch 22.
I wonder who are taking the computer class in a new University of Computer
Studies for Upper Myanmar and the one in Yangon.  What kind of students are
taking the computer courses, what is their back ground, how they are
selected? We need transparancy for that information.
Who are incharge of Myanmar Computer Technicians Association and Myanmar
Computer Entrepreneurs Association which are formed on 17th May, 1998 and
Myanmar Computer Enthusiasts Association founded on July 24th, 1998. Are
they own by individuals or by the State?
 some students have received scholarships under the sponsorship of (CICC)
of Japan and (SCP) of Singapore and are already undertaking their studies.
Who are they?  SPDC need to announce who are they and what is their
qualifications.  I totally agree internet access is urgently needed in
Burma.  If SPDC have a real intention to do it, there are steps to improve
the current situation which is the blocking stone for the new era.
1.  lift the oppressive laws and regulation such as banned the fax machine
and computer modems.
2.  Reduce the price of the internet monthly fee from 80 dollars to 10
dollars.
3.  Allow the free communication within the country and abroad.