Continued network restrictions in Myanmar from 1 August 2020 (updated 31 December 2020)

Statement from 1 August 2020

On 30 July 2020, the Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) directed all mobile phone operators in Myanmar, including Telenor Myanmar, to extend the Internet restrictions on 3G and 4G services in all eight townships of Rakhine and Chin States. 2G services will be available in addition to voice and SMS, as per the directive. The throttling of 3G and 4G services went into effect on 1 August at 10.00 pm local time. The MoTC cites prevention of acts of terrorism as reason to continue Internet restrictions until 31 October 2020.

Telenor Group is deeply concerned that eight townships continue to lack meaningful Internet services, and for the impact on civilians. Since the first directive on Internet shutdown in June 2019, Telenor Group and Telenor Myanmar have been in continuous dialogue with the authorities of Myanmar to promote restored services, but we are disappointed to see lack of significant development.

In Telenor Group and Telenor Myanmar’s communication with relevant local authorities and stakeholders, such as the MoTC and the Office of the State Counsellor, we have conveyed our position that freedom of expression through access to telecoms services should be maintained for humanitarian purposes, especially during times of conflict. We have also stressed to local authorities that the shutdown adversely affects hundreds of thousands of civilians, as their access to information and services that are vital to their livelihood is being restricted for a long period. In addition, the current global pandemic only amplifies the need for access to information.

In an effort to mitigate some of the adverse impact of the Internet restrictions and enable continued communication, Telenor Myanmar has reduced international call rates for the affected townships.

Given the prolonged Internet restrictions, Telenor Group and Telenor Myanmar continue to protest against the restrictions, and advocate towards authorities, in addition to local and international stakeholders, to mitigate impact on civilians and to fully restore the Internet and data services.

We strongly urge the authorities of Myanmar to lift the Internet restrictions in the eight townships as soon as possible.

Update on 31 October 2020:  Network Restrictions in Myanmar extended until 31 December 2020

On the 28 October 2020, the Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) directed all mobile phone operators in Myanmar, including Telenor Myanmar, to extend the internet restrictions on 3G and 4G services in all eight townships of Rakhine and Chin States until 31 December 2020. 2G services will continue to be available in addition to voice and SMS. The MoTC did not provide a reason for the extension. Telenor Myanmar has requested reasoning and pointed out concerns regarding proportionality of the restrictions.

The townships affected by continued network restrictions are: Buthidaung, Paletwa, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw, Minbya and Myebon. 3G and 4G network services will remain unavailable in these townships.

Telenor Myanmar’s reduced international call rates for customers in the affected townships will continue.

Telenor Group is deeply concerned that eight townships continue to lack meaningful Internet services, and for the impact on civilians. Together with Telenor Myanmar, we continue to raise our concern with the authorities of Myanmar, and strongly urge them to lift the internet restrictions as soon as possible.

Update on 31 December 2020: Network Restrictions in Myanmar extended until 31 March 2021

On 29 December 2020, the Myanmar Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) directed all mobile phone operators in Myanmar, including Telenor Myanmar, to extend the internet restrictions on 3G and 4G services in all eight townships of Rakhine and Chin States until 31 March 2021.

Telenor Group and Telenor Myanmar continue our dialogue with the authorities to re-open for 3G and 4G services in the affected areas. We strongly urge the authorities to lift the internet restrictions as soon as possible. Our position and concerns about the prolonged lack of meaningful internet services in the eight townships, as previously communicated in the above statements, remain.