To Ko Okkar (r)

[ericyu@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

actually, you got it wrong a little.  the exchange rate of dollars to kyat
is 1 to 6.1533.  
the currency counter is at http://www.xe.net/currency/full


On Wed, 21 Oct 1998, Htun Aung Gyaw wrote:

> 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.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>