Regional shutdown
Mobile Internet Services
Bocas del Toro
On 14 June 2025, Bocas del Toro, Panama, experienced an unexpected disruption in internet connectivity that lasted for 47 hours. This interruption preceded the declaration of a state of emergency in the province on 20 June 2025, amid ongoing protests against reforms to the Social Security Fund (CSS), pensions, and retirements. Following the state of emergency declaration, Panama's telecom regulator, the National Public Services Authority (ASEP), issued an official order to telecommunication and internet service providers. This order mandated the suspension of cellular mobile telephony and internet services for residential users in Bocas del Toro, while excluding essential sectors such as health, commerce, and government services.
- Total Duration 15 days, 16 hours
Local impact
On 21 June 2025, ASEP issued a follow-up statement specifying that the internet shutdown in Bocas del Toro applied exclusively to residential users, with exemptions for critical sectors such as health, commerce, and government services. This selective suspension was part of the government's response to ongoing protests against reforms to the Social Security Fund (CSS), pensions, and retirements, which had intensified in the region. While the measure was initially scheduled to conclude on 25 June 2025, the government extended the restrictions until Sunday, 29 June, directly impacting all residential internet users in the province. The prolonged disruption raised concerns about access to essential online services and the broader implications for human rights in the digital age, particularly in a province where internet connectivity is vital for daily life and economic activities.
Related documentation
Official Gazette of Panama edition of 20 June 2025 including the declaration of state of emergency in province of Bocas del Toro. Link.
Other supporting information
IODA recorded drops in Internet traffic on 14 June 2025 to 30 June 2025.
