Mobile communication operators in Myanmar have been notified to shut down their mobile communication networks indefinitely from March 15, with cell phones retaining only call and SMS functions. Currently, Myanmar’s fiber optic network (FTTH) has not been shut down, and users can still access the Internet through the WIFI function of the fiber optic network.
NetBlocks, an organization that monitors global Internet outages, tweeted on March 16 that Myanmar has been “offline” indefinitely nationwide since 1 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. local Time on March 15.
It is reported that Myanmar has experienced several rounds of “Internet outages” since the Feb. 1 coup, but this is the longest one.
NetBlocks’ analysis shows that while Myanmar’s fiber optic communication network (FTTH) has not been shut down, the cellular network is still down and users can only access the Internet through the WIFI function of the fiber optic network. Some areas without WIFI coverage can use the call and text functions reserved for cell phones.
The “shutdown” came a day after at least 22 protesters were killed in a violent crackdown by Myanmar security forces in the Hlaing Thaya area on the outskirts of Yangon, while 16 protesters and one police officer died elsewhere.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s trial was also postponed as a result. According to Reuters news agency on March 15, the head of Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team said the court date for President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi was postponed to March 24 because the Myanmar court could not hold a video hearing for Aung San Suu Kyi due to the nationwide shutdown of mobile communication networks from March 15.
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