Myanmar’s operators have restored internet services one day after being ordered to suspend them amid mass protests against the country’s authorities.
In a statement, Telenor Myanmar confirmed that its data network had resumed operation at 14:00 on 7th February, less than 24 hours after the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) ordered all data offerings to be suspended. Voice and SMS services were unaffected by the order.
Separately, Telenor stated that while it was bound by the terms of its licence to comply with the government order, it viewed the development with “deep concern”, adding “We have emphasised to the authorities that access to telecom services should be maintained at all times, especially during times of conflict, to ensure people’s basic right to freedom of expression and access to information.”
Myanmar’s military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy in a coup after the party won an election victory with more than 80% of the vote. A state of emergency was declared on 1st February, with the MoTC ordering operators to block access to Facebook and Instagram until 7th February as the services were being used to organise acts of civil disobedience.th February as the services were being used to organise acts of civil disobedience.
