Limiting mobile networks, Myanmar

Myanmar

15 March, 2021 01:00 - 10 May, 2021 09:00 (56 days)

Local Impact

Reports suggest that the military has ordered mobile Internet connectivity restricted from 1:00 to 9:00 local time. These follow previous orders by the military since its coup in January 2021, to restrict Internet access and block social media sites.

Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.

Experiences

GSMA calls on Myanmar to restore internet access

Data and Analysis

In addition to nightly shutdowns, authorities in Myanmar ordered mobile networks to stop their network; this effect was reflected in lower Internet traffic to Google services, as apparent in the following graphs.

Google Transparency Report

Product Traffic in Myanmar

Product Traffic from March to April

Product Traffic

CAIDA’s IODA Connectivity report shows how this is not a service-blocking event but a restriction of Internet services, as per the drops in BGP visibility which is an indication of Internet connectivity.

Chart — IODA Internet Connectivity Report for Myanmar, 4 March to 4 April. Source: IODA

Conversations

Myanmar’s military coup has pushed its fledgling digital economy to the brink of collapse.
By NU NU LUSAN, EMILY FISHBEIN and PETER GUEST

Since March 15, the mobile network in Myanmar has been unavailable. Telenor has protested this development to the telecom regulator. We strongly believe that the network should be kept open at all times to ensure people’s basic rights of freedom of expression and opinion.

— Telenor Group (@TelenorGroup) March 17, 2021

Internet Shutdowns

Myanmar