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Internet outages hinder online transactions in Nam Taw area

Residents in the Namtaw area of Homalin Township in Sagaing Region report continued difficulties with online transactions after all MPT and Atom phone networks went down again in mid-February.

Due to these difficulties with online financial transactions, locals have resorted to old methods, paying high transfer fees through agents to transfer money, while cash itself has become increasingly scarce.

“Yesterday in Nam Taw, sellers wouldn’t accept outside transfers or KPay when buying goods. Usually, even with poor reception, we could still communicate. But now there’s no connection at all. Telenor shows a signal, but we can’t send messages or make calls,” said a Nam Taw resident.

While Starlink internet remains available for general internet access, financial transfers require one-time passwords (OTPs) that can only be received through mobile networks.

Network outages have been frequent in Homalin Township, with some services restored in late 2024. However, connectivity has only returned to areas near Homalin town and the Nam Taw area.

In the Shanni areas of upper Sagaing Region, including Pinlebu, Paungbyin, Banmauk, Indaw, and Tigyaing, more people have turned to gold and direct cash payments for commerce due to persistent phone and internet outages.

The military junta began cutting internet and phone connections in upper Sagaing Region and Kachin State in 2023, with disruptions now lasting over a year.

According to Access Now, a US-based digital rights organization, Myanmar experienced record-high internet shutdowns in the Asia-Pacific region during 2024, making it the worst-affected country, as revealed in their 24 February statement.

Sent by Shanni Voice.