Socio-economic challenges of people in Arakan related to communication blackouts

English | Myanmar

Introduction

(a) Main Topic

Socio-economic challenges of people in Arakan related to communication blackouts

(b) Geographical Area

All 17 townships within Arakan/Rakhine State

(c) Time Period

From November 2023 to February 2026

Since the resurgence of intense armed conflict in Arakan in November 2023, phone and internet services were initially restricted before escalating to a state-wide blackout by 2024. While these disruptions are often attributed to military/security reasons and fuel shortages for telecom towers, they have severely limited the public's right to information and exacerbated daily hardships.

These ongoing blackouts have a broad impact on social relations, business operations, economic activities, and daily life in Arakan. Furthermore, local charity groups, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and humanitarian groups face immense challenges in internal coordination, timely emergency response, and administrative management.

Therefore, this study analyzes the impact of telecommunication blackout on the daily lives of populations based on local media reports, CSO documentation, and first-hand experiences of residents.

Summary of Key Data

November 2023

MPT phone lines are cut in some townships

Some areas in Ann, Myebon, Pauktaw, and Munaung townships experienced phone and internet disruptions due to fuel shortages affecting telecom towers, leaving MPT services largely non-functional.

December 2023

Most areas in Rakhine lost phone and internet access, except for Mytel

In Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauk Taw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Ann, Taungup, Kyaukpyu, Ramree, Munaung, Myebon, and Pauktaw townships, phone and internet services were disrupted except for Mytel networks. These outages occurred due to fuel shortages, damaged underground cables, and limited maintenance capabilities. The residents also reported that the military reduced internet speed, making communication more difficult.

January 2024

Stricter communication restrictions in some areas

In Ponnagyun and Sittwe townships, phone and internet access were further restricted. Fiberoptic internet in Sittwe was completely cut off, with mobile data access available only in limited government offices. In Ponnagyun, although phone lines were accessible through Ooredoo and military-owned Mytel networks, internet access was totally blocked.

October 2024

Complete communication blackout across Rakhine

Although limited connectivity existed in some areas during the early stages of renewed clashes, phone and internet lines were completely cut off throughout Arakan since October 13, 2024.

Misinformation and security concerns rise

With phone and internet lines entirely cut, residents lacked timely access to information related to armed clashes and security, relying on second-hand reports that often spread misinformation. Since civilians cannot receive timely warnings regarding airstrikes and armed clashes, which impose additional risks ... Read More

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