Pajau Media
27.9.2024
According to residents of Putao, an internet shop charging 20,000 kyats per hour has recently opened in Putao Town, Kachin State, where phone signals and internet services have been down for over two months.
A local NGO employee shared, "The internet shop with Starlink has been open for about a week in Lay Yin Kwin Ward (2). It costs 20,000 kyats per hour to use, and not many people can access it. The shop owner limits the number of devices that can connect, so we have to wait in line."
As the first internet shop to open in Putao Township since the communications blackout, many residents are eager to use it. However, some feel that 20,000 kyats per hour is too steep.
“It’s too expensive to pay 20,000 kyats per hour. It’s only affordable for emergency needs,” the NGO employee added.
Phone services from MPT, Atom, and Mytel have been unavailable in Putao since August. Only Ooredoo and MEC networks have provided limited service in select areas, while Atom started operating again in mid-September, according to locals.
Although some internet shops have reopened in the area, the high costs mean that most residents are unable to afford the service. Many hope that more affordable internet options will become available so the majority of people can benefit.
Since the internet was cut off across Kachin State on July 21st, similar internet shops charging 20,000 kyats per hour have been operating in Hpakant and Myitkyina towns. However, the shop in Putao has only been open for about a week.
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