In Kale Town of Kale Township, Sagaing Region, all internet services had been down for a month, but the U9 network operated by Ooredoo was restored on October 14, locals reported.

However, only mobile data services have been restored, while Wi-Fi networks remain completely unavailable.

“The Ooredoo U9 network is back, and it’s quite stable. Other networks are still down for now. Mytel’s signal has returned in a few places, but it’s very weak. Wi-Fi isn’t available anywhere yet,” a Kale resident said.

Mytel’s 4G network has also been restored, but the signal remains quite weak.

Kale Town experienced a communication blackout beginning on September 13, when both Wi-Fi and mobile data networks went down, making it nearly impossible to access the internet or even make phone calls.

Following the junta’s orders, all phone lines and Wi-Fi networks operated by MPT, Mytel, and Ooredoo were cut off, leaving only limited 2G service in some areas. This forced residents of Kale Town to endure major hardships in their economic, social, and daily lives.

During the internet blackout, locals had to pay 1,000 MMK per hour or 5,000 MMK for a full day to access Starlink internet services where available.

In early September, the junta, together with its allies, the Pyusawhti militia and Kathe ethnic armed groups, launched an offensive against Nansaungpu and Nanhannwet villages in Kale Township along the Kale-Tamu Road, sparking heavy clashes with resistance forces. Locals suggested that the junta, having suffered significant casualties, may have imposed the internet blackout in Kale Town as a consequence.

photo credit - CJ