Only Sittwe Has Mobile Network in Rakhine State

Only Sittwe Has Mobile Network in Rakhine State

Arakha Times (November 8, 2024)

Amid intense fighting in Rakhine State, only Sittwe Township currently has mobile network access, according to reports.

Since October 13, mobile and internet services have been unavailable in all townships across Rakhine. Even in Sittwe, which still has limited mobile network access, not all areas receive a signal, residents report. Due to concerns that Sittwe’s network might be cut off soon, locals are exploring the option of using MEC SIM cards, although the current network quality is poor.

One resident of Sittwe explained, “Only the MPT network is available in Sittwe, while networks like Mytel, Telenor, and Ooredoo are all down.There’s no internet access either. We can’t even call friends in other towns like Minbya or Mrauk U. There was a time recently when Minbya or Mrauk U lost the connection for about a week, and then it came back. But starting around Monday this week, it’s been down again. Some say MEC SIM cards might provide internet access, allowing us to check news. But we also need the right handset for those SIMs, so people are trying to find. If we can get it to work, we’ll buy it.” she told the Arrakha Times, “ Honestly, today is the only day the connection has been stable. On other days, even within Sittwe town, it’s often easier to deliver messages in person rather than trying to make a call. So, people just go and deliver messages themselves.”

While no fighting is reported directly in Sittwe, intense clashes in Ann, Maungdaw, Taungup, and Gwa Townships have led to network disruptions in other areas, according to Sittwe residents.

The lack of mobile networks has created significant challenges for organizations, associations, and businesses trying to communicate with other Rakhine townships from Sittwe. Families who rely on their children’s income to survive also face difficulties, as people abroad cannot contact their families to send money due to the connection issues.

A resident shared, “For those of us with children working in Yangon who support us monthly, if we can’t call them, we’re left without help in times of need. This affects groups working with organizations in Minbya, Ponnagyun, Mrauk U, Kyaukpyu, and other areas. Even offices in Sittwe face difficulties.”

She explained to Arakha Times, “ To be honest, the lack of a mobile signal hasn’t been too difficult for me personally, as I’m currently not working. But for those of us who are jobless, financial matters are a concern. My children are working in Yangon, so at the end of each month, I usually rely on their support. If there’s an emergency where I need help, but I can’t make a call, I worry about how we’ll receive any support.

“ People working with various organizations also face difficulties. For example, those in Yangon are unable to connect with areas like Minbya, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, and Kyauktaw, which makes work extremely challenging. Even offices in Sittwe face difficulties. The challenges are only going to increase.”

She added, “ In rural areas, many people work in Thailand or Malaysia, sending money home to support their families each month. But with no mobile and internet connection, they can’t transfer the money. This creates significant hardships for families dependent on that income.”

For nearly a year now, fighting between the military council forces and the Arakan Army (AA) has severely impacted Rakhine, with inter-township roadways closed and all over land and sea routes shut down. Currently, only air transport to Yangon and Mandalay remains available, with goods being transported solely via those routes.

Currently, intense fighting is reported in Ann, Toungup, Maungdaw, and Gwa townships, areas under the Western Command’s military headquarters.