Phone and internet connection cut off in 80 cities of Myanmar

Last Updated on March 15, 2024 1:14 pm

The junta has cut off telecommunications and internet connections in at least 80 cities in various states and regions, including Myanmar’s Sagain region.

On Friday (March 15), the country’s human rights organization Athan Myanmar reported this information, The Irrawaddy newspaper reported.

According to the report, out of these 80 cities, the Sagain region has the largest number of cities. 27 out of 34 cities in the region have no internet, mobile and telephone connectivity at all. In addition, five of the seven towns in Kayah state have no telecommunication and internet connectivity.

Apart from this, several towns in Shan, Chin, Kachin and Mon states and towns like Taninthari, Mogwe, Bago and Ayewarwadi have also been cut off from telephone and internet connections.

However, not all the 80 cities were cut off from internet and telecommunications simultaneously. In some cities both connections are closed simultaneously, while others have Internet but no telephone connection. Elsewhere there is telephone connection but no internet.

Athan reported that Mytel, the junta-controlled telecommunications service provider in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, provided services until February 16. Since then, mobile network, internet connection and broadband connection have been suspended in the city. And it has been reported that banking services and online financial transactions in Rakhine state have practically come to a standstill due to the shutdown of internet and telecommunication services. The agency termed the situation as a strategy by the military to suppress the insurgents.

Incidentally, the insurgent group Arakan Army (AA) is fighting against the junta in Rakhine state in Myanmar. AA has so far taken control of a total of nine towns from the Janata Bahini in the fighting that started in November last year. At this time, they have taken over at least 180 outposts and bases from the Janta Bahini.