The following data involves Burmese communication research in Internet usage, mobile phone usage, Internet and telephonic service providers, publishing permits and FM radio stations:
1. Internet users in Burma total not more than 500,000. Experts say it will likely increase 200 percent in the next three years because of the easy availability of telephones with Internet capabilities and more awareness among people.
- 2. There are more than 750 registered computer Public Access Centres (PAC) and about 350 unregistered PACs in Rangoon. There are about 280 registered PACs in Mandalay and 70 registered PACs in Taunggyi; about 30 PACs in Naypyidaw; 18 PACs in Sittwe; three registered PACs in Thandwe; 16 registered PACs in Myitkyina; six registered PACs in Sagaing; eight registered PACs in Magwe; 10 registered PACs in Monywa; 25 registered PACs in Mawlamyaing; and eight registered PACs in Myingyan. (According to PAC registration statistics)
- 3. There are about one million mobile phone users in Burma. It will likely increased by 200 percent in a matter of years under the current mobile phone policy and may increase up to ten times more, say experts, if the current policy is changed to international standards and norms. The fall of mobile phones prices is a main reason for the rapid increase in mobile phone users.
- 4. There are only two Internet service providers (ISP) in Burma, namely MPT (Myanmar Post and Telegraph) and Yadanapon. An office and home use Internet line is Redlink Mobile Internet is Elite; franchise ISPs are MWD, MGW and Shwethanlwin.
- 5. The mobile networks in Burma are GSM, CDMA (phone numbers starting with digits 70, both mobile and base unit phones popularly known in Burma as basket phones) CDMA 450 (Naypyidaw), WCDMA 450(coastal regions), CDMA 800 and McWill
- 6. The number of print publication license holders is about 800, out of which only about 350 are currently in business. About 200 new applications were submitted for publishing licenses in 2011, but none were approved.
- 7. FM stations in Burma are City FM (Yangon), Mandalay FM, Bagan FM, Cherry FM, Padamyar FM and Shwe FM.
