Nearly 80 townships spanning 11 regions and states, have experienced deliberate disruptions to phone and internet services since the coup three years ago until the end of February, according to Athan, a freedom of expression advocacy organization.

As per Athan's report released on March 13, telephone and internet connections have been severed in several regions, notably Sagaing, Magway, Bago, and Tanintharyi, encompassing all states except Karen.

In Rakhine State, where heavy fighting continues between the Arakan Army (AA) and the Junta, all townships have been severely impacted by phone and internet disruptions since January.

Based on data compiled by Athan, mobile services provided by MyTel remained operational in Rakhine State until the evening of February 16. However, beginning on February 17, both phone connections and home Wi-Fi, along with other internet services, were abruptly severed.

In Sagaing Region, where the People's Defense Force exhibits a strong presence, a total of 27 townships experienced disruptions to internet and phone services following the coup.

Following a re-raid by the Junta troops on Kawlin Township, previously seized by resistance forces in the Sagaing Region, phone and internet connections in the vicinity were severed too, Athan said.

The Junta's notorious Four-Cut Strategy, including communication cuts, is routinely practiced in conflict-prone regions like Rakhine State.

Athan further alleges that the Junta deliberately disrupts phone and internet services to hinder information dissemination to the local populace, and impede communication between civilians and resistance forces.

As a consequence, affected areas have faced significant hardships in information dissemination, leading to a near halt in mobile banking services, internet-based businesses, and money transfers, Athan said.