A proposal urging the government to upgrade the internet speed from 2G into 4G in seven townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State, was unanimously approved at the session of Arakan State parliament on January 19th.

This proposal was submitted by MP U Maung Than Sein from Kyauktaw Township Constituency-2 in Arakan State parliament on January 14th. The submission of the proposal aims to upgrade the internet into 4G, in a bid to enable the people to have easy access to real-time information, and to have freedom and transparency. The proposal was seconded by three MPs.

U Chit Kaung from Aungtat ward in MraukU Township (where the 4G internet is blacked out) “Due to the shutdown of 4G internet in Arakan State, there are information blackouts in the region. As a result, it has many impacts on the economy, society , education and health sectors.”

It has been nearly two years since 4G internet in seven townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State was put in place. It has been nearly three months since it was shut down and the fighting between the Arakan Army and the Tatmadaw could not be adequately reported.

The internet shutdown has crippled Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, MraukU, Minbya, Myaebon, Buthedaung, Yathaedaung and Maungdaw Townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.