THE Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Development Corporation Limited has called for local entrepreneurs to join the company in establishing internet centres throughout the country.

“Enthusiastic local entrepreneurs are invited to collaborate with the corporation in operating public internet access centres throughout Myanmar under a franchise system in order to introduce ICT to the public in diverse areas,” said U Aung Zaw Myint, the managing director of the corporation.

He said establishing a network of centres would increase the country’s internet literacy and facilitate familiarity with ICT, including computers and telephones, in remote areas.

U Aung Zaw Myint said the corporation will provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs interested in opening internet centres.

The first trial centre to operate as a collaborative effort between the corporation and a local entrepreneur was opened last October in Myeik township in Tanintharyi Division.

“We are pleased that the first trial centre is doing well and hope that more local entrepreneurs will collaborate with the corporation for the establishment of additional centres,” U Aung Zaw Myint said.

In the first phase the corporation will seek to open 110 internet centres in bigger cities and populous district areas, followed by a second phase in which 143 centres will be established in township areas.

The third phase will focus on opening an as-yet-undetermined number of centres in additional township areas. The fourth and final phase will expand the project to smaller villages and border areas.

U Aung Zaw Myint said about 30 local entrepreneurs have already inquired about operating internet centres in their respective areas.

He said that all the centres will be of similar design and must be located in easily accessible areas, but the exact facilities to be included will be determined by the population and development level of the region in which they are located.

The most basic type of centre, which will cost K5 million to open, will include a computer with internet and email service through an iPstar broadband satellite system, telephone and voice mail service, and a fax machine.

The second type will, for an investment of K6.5 million, add four more computers, a laser printer, a scanner and two CD writers. Computer skills training courses will also be available.

The most advanced centres will have additional multimedia, satellite television and e-learning facilities at a cost of more than K10 million.