Ramree residents call on ULA to restore internet amid isolation

By Admin 10 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

10 January 2026, Ramree

Residents in Ramree Township, Arakan State, are calling on the United League of Arakan (ULA) to provide public part-time internet services to support local economic and social connectivity.

Locals say they are facing severe communication challenges, including difficulty transferring and withdrawing money, losing contact with family members, limited access to information, and obstacles in conducting business and daily socio-economic activities.

A 28-year-old woman in Ramree said, "Most people here rely on remittances from relatives working in Thailand and Malaysia. Even making a phone call is expensive, and internet access would make it easier to send money at least once a month. I hope the Arakan Army can provide an internet connection, at least in a public place where people can use it anytime."

Internet and telephone services have been cut in areas controlled by the Arakan Army, including Ramree, creating a communications crisis for local residents.

The loss of contact with family members working abroad has further affected residents' socio-economic lives.

"There is no stable income at home, so we rely on my husband's salary from Malaysia. But without internet, we can't communicate with him. We don't know what's happening with him, and he doesn't know what's happening with us. We are more isolated than before," said a woman in Thinpankaing Village, Ramree Township.

Mobile phone and internet blackouts have also limited locals' access to news and essential information.

"We don't have internet, so we rely only on the radio. We don't know much about Arakan State news and only hear about the mainland and international news. We don't know food prices in our town or others, which makes daily work more difficult. I hope a place can be created where we can use the internet, even a few days a week," said a man from Thitpotetaung Village, Ramree Township.

Since October 2024, Ramree Island has been without mobile and internet services, with limited communication only possible through military-owned MEC SIM cards.

Arakan Army officials banned MEC SIM cards in Ramree Township, citing military security concerns.

Despite internet restrictions across Arakan State, the United League of Arakan has allowed Starlink internet access in some northern townships, providing limited public service.

In contrast, southern Arakan State remains completely offline, leaving residents with ongoing socio-economic and information challenges.