Mizzima awarded global JTI certificate for reliable news on Myanmar

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Mizzima Mizzima, one of Myanmar ’s most prominent news outlets and a press freedom advocate, obtained the Journalism Trust Initiative ( JTI ) certification from global audit firm Bureau Veritas , JTI says in a press statement 5 January.  Operating in clandestine mode within Myanmar and supported by an exiled team, Mizzima strives to fulfil its role as reliable source of news and information for the Myanmar public. “Your Journalism Trust Initiative certification affirms what audiences already know: that principled, transparent journalism matters. Congratulations on this achievement and on your continued contribution to informing citizens about Myanmar,” says Benjamin Sabbah , director of Journalism Trust Initiative “Myanmar’s ongoing conflict has created an intensely contested media landscape, where mis- and disinformation are increasingly deployed to reinforce state propaganda and the prevailing “official” narrative. Although Mizzima is already regarded as one of the most trusted ...
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Burmese GSM phone coverage to expand to Asean

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Friday, 20 April 2012 13:26 Mizzima News

(Mizzima) – GSM phone coverage in Burma will be expanded to Asean member countries by June, according to reports.

Burma telecommunication authorities will expanded to most Association of Southeast Asian Nations in a move linked to improving the telecommunications sector to increase foreign investments, according to an article in Popular News. Discussions are ongoing between Burma and the respective countries.

GSM phone prices are high for average Burmese. Photo: flickr

The GSM SIM cards of China and Vietnam have been in use in Burma under a pilot project since Burma’s annual gems emporium was held in March last year and GSM mobile phone coverage from ASEAN member countries was also allowed in December last year when Burma was announced as alternate chairman of the regional bloc in 2014.

Authorities are installing 30 million more lines for GSM mobile phone phase by phase through a five-year plan in cooperation with private companies, according to the article.

In December, Mizzima reported that the World Factbook says that while Burma’s telephone system “meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for business and government,” it is “barely capable of providing a basic service” for average citizens.

In 2010, the Burmese government had installed a total of 1.3 million mobile phones and 866,084 landlines as of July, the Weekly Eleven journal said, citing statistics released by Myanmar Post and Telecommunications.

In contrast, neighbouring Thailand had 28 million mobile phone users in 2008, or nearly half the population.

Part of the reason for Burma’s late communications development has been the high cost of mobile phones: when GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones were introduced, initial subscription fees were 1.5 million kyat (US $1,500). The average annual wage in Burma is a little over US $250.

Since then, CDMA phones have been introduced at a lower cost, but mobile phones remain well beyond the reach of most Burmese citizens.

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