Norwegian Business group calls on Myanmar to restore Internet access in Rakhine and Chin states

Myanmar-Norway Business Council together with four other business organisations have urged Myanmar authorities to restore internet access in Rakhine and Chin states.

The statement warns of the “possible reputational impact in the international community and view of Myanmar as a responsible investment destination” being wrought by the internet-shutdown.

It has been more than three weeks since the area was plunged into an information blackout on June 21. According to Myanmar Times, the Ministry of Transport and Communications on June 20 ordered the four telecommunications companies to suspend mobile internet services to nine townships in northern Rakhine and southern Chin states.

Rights groups have criticised that the shutdown puts the safety of civilians who are trapped in the conflict zone at risk.

Twenty-one Myanmar-based civil and digital rights organisations last month released a statement demanding the authorities to lift the existing restrictions on internet access.

Norwegian Telenor has been providing accessible and affordable mobile communications to people across Myanmar since September 2014. With more than 8,600 sites nationwide, Telenor Myanmar serves more than 18 million customers in all States, Regions, and territories through its 2G, 3G, and 4G network. As of June 2019, Telenor Myanmar employs more than 800 employees of which 91% are locals and more than 40% are female.

About Gregers Møller

Editor-in-Chief • ScandAsia Publishing Co., Ltd. • Bangkok, Thailand

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