Local residents report that in Ramree and Kyaukphyu Townships on Ramree Island in Arakan State, the lack of phone and internet access has worsened existing socio-economic hardships.
Local residents report that they are facing various socio-economic hardships due to disruptions in phone and internet communications. These include difficulties with money transfers and withdrawals, inability to contact family members, lack of access to information, and challenges in running businesses and meeting other daily needs.
A local woman from Kyaukphyu said: “My husband works in Malaysia. Our daily living expenses—basic needs—depend entirely on the money he sends. However, ever since phone lines stopped working, I haven’t been able to contact him at all. We are struggling to survive on the money my husband transfer from Malaysia. We are in great trouble.”
Except for certain wards in Kyaukphyu town still under military control, mobile networks such as ATOM, Ooredoo, Mytel, and MPT have been cut off across the entire Ramree Island since October 2024, resulting in a complete loss of phone and internet connectivity.
However, MEC SIM cards—produced by the military-owned Myanmar Economic Corporation (MEC)—still have signal in some parts of Ramree Island. As a result, local residents are using these SIM cards for communication.
On the other hand, officials from the United League of Arakan/Arakha Army (ULA/AA) issued an order last February banning the use of these SIM cards in villages, citing military security concerns and warning that action would be taken against those found in possession of them.
A local man from Ramree Township said, “Many families are suffering due to communication disruptions. The main problems are difficulties with money transfers and withdrawals, along with a lack of access to information. These issues are severely impacting everyone—from ordinary citizens to business owners.”
In Arakan State, it has been reported that phone and internet lines have been cut off in all 14 townships still under the control of the AA, except for the military-controlled towns of Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Mrauk-U.
However, in certain townships such as Minbya, Mrauk-U, and Kyauktaw, the ULA/AA has allowed the public to use phone and internet services in their own way.
A local man from Kyaukphyu said, “I won’t comment on the military council, but as for the ULA/AA, I want them to provide phone and internet services through whatever means possible. The people have already supported the ULA/AA as much as they can. Now, it’s time for the ULA/AA to fulfill the needs of the people.”
However, local residents said that since February, due to intensified clashes between the military council and the AA near Kyaukphyu town on Ramree Island, the ULA/AA has restricted phone communications for military security reasons and is also strictly inspecting travelers in the area.
Sent by Aung Htein (DMG)
