In Myanmar, 5G tests in Yangon, but a seven-week web blackout in restive Rakhine

An estimated 1 million people living in a conflict zone in the western part of the country have been without internet access since June 21

The shutdown was meant to disable militants but clashes are still raging, and local residents have been left to manage in isolation

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Young men browse Facebook on their smartphones in Yangon. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:30pm, 10 Aug 2019Updated: 12:01pm, 12 Aug 2019

Myanmar ’s military-backed telecoms firm Mytel this week revealed the country had carried out its first successful test of 5G services in Yangon – but elsewhere in the nation an estimated 1 million people were entering their seventh consecutive week without the internet.

Residents of nine townships across western Rakhine and Chin states have been without web access since June 21. Authorities said the move was to prevent separatist group Arakan Army (AA) from organising, but regular clashes between the rebels and Myanmar’s military have continued.

Despite the ban, AA-linked online accounts have remained active, with users turning to Twitter and other platforms to organise and raise funds, leaving ordinary residents to bear the brunt of the blackout.

Everyone from small business owners to students has been hit, according to trade and community organisations.

Myanmar has carried out its first successful test of 5G services. Photo: AFP

She warned that the military could also use the internet block to hide human rights violations: “As young people in Rakhine, we should not let this go.”

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