MyoTaw: Deputy Minister of Internet-Cutting Junta Warns of Action for Internet Service Outages

Deputy Minister of the coup government that has cut off the internet says action will be taken if internet services fail

July 25

At the 29th day of the second regular session of the third People's Assembly of the coup government, held on July 24, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications, U Thet Win Aung, stated in response to a question from a member of parliament that if internet companies holding telecommunications service licenses experience service failures, users can file complaints and effective legal action will be taken in accordance with the law.

He responded that if users encounter internet outages, they should first notify the relevant company. If the company fails to provide service without justification, they can negotiate to demand compensation or alternative services from the companies. If compliance is not met, they can contact the relevant departments to file complaints.

Those wishing to complain can directly contact the Telecommunications Directorate (PTD) via email at complaint@ptd.gov.mm or the Consumer Affairs Department's Consumer Call Center at phone number 1535. He stated that if it becomes evident that companies have not complied, action will be taken under Section 41 (a) of the Licensing Rules.

Additionally, he said that from 2017 to July 20, 2026, the Consumer Affairs Department received a total of 2,200 complaints related to telecommunications services, of which 2,192 were successfully resolved, and the remaining 8 cases are still being addressed.

Although Deputy Minister U Thet Win Aung of the coup military government responded in this manner, since the coup, the public has not had adequate internet access and has faced restrictions. Access to social media platforms like Facebook has also been blocked, forcing people to use VPNs covertly to access the internet.

If found using or installing restricted applications and games on their phones, individuals have faced arrests and actions by the coup military government, and military personnel have also been involved in threats and extortion.

Similarly, in some regions and states, the Signal messaging app, widely used by revolutionary forces, has been banned. If found installed on phones, coup military personnel have carried out unlawful arrests.

MyoTaw News Channel