THE number of internet users in Pyinmana has doubled since ADSL connections were established in February this year, according to owners of internet shops in the central Myanmar town.

“When we had to dial up to the internet, there were few users because it wasn’t easy to get a connection. But since ADSL access started in February, the number of users has increased,” said Ko Aung Soe Paing, who runs the MCC cyber café at No. 2 Myoma Market in Pyinmana.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line connections allow for faster downloads and do not tie up phone lines but must be made through digital phone networks.

Ko Aung Soe Paing said most internet users at his shop were aged around 20 and most used the web to access communication services G-mail and G-talk.

Internet access fees at cyber cafés in Pyinmana are about K800 per hour, compared with about K400 an hour in Yangon. Internet centre owners explained this by saying commodities cost more in Pyinmana.

ADSL costs FEC1500 to set up a connection, and then FEC30 a month thereafter.