Digital struggle and resistance in the Myanmar revolution 10/31/24, 11:36 AM shutdowns vary, and they include pre-emptive cuts before conflicts, partial shutdowns affecting 3G data, and bandwidth throttling, with disruptions differing from one telecom operator to another. As of December 2021, Reuters had reported over 400 mobile towers destroyed. Restoration is expensive and politically sensitive in conflict zones, with additional challenges of lack of technical expertise, and resources controlled by ethnic armed groups. The panellists agreed on the need to acknowledge that mobile towers are being destroyed by different actors depending on the conflict. These include revolutionary forces looking for materials to fashion weapons and shelter. Accessing the internet from one’s own private space has become a luxury and access to information could well be a matter of life and death in Myanmar. For example, internally displaced camps (IDPs) rely on timely information about airstrike and battle information, while those in conflict zones depend on the internet for emergency medical assistance. In areas controlled by ethnic armed groups and liberated zones without internet access, people rely on FM radio and the print media for information. For communication, some rely on handheld transceivers, while others use range extenders placed in high areas to capture spillover mobile data. Using long-range mesh network and satellite communications remains the only viable option, especially Starlink. Though it is logistically challenging and costly, Starlink provides crucial connectivity in these remote regions. The panellist finished by stating the need for community-owned mesh networks and noted that funding for alternative communication is rarely provided. He emphasised that the current network must transition from a small office home office (SOHO) scale to community network-level for sustainability. The panellists agreed on the need to explore resilient and sustainable alternative communications such as community networks, going beyond relying on Starlink. The vital role of internet access, ensuring the right to education A representative from Burma Academy briefly discussed the post-coup https://www.apc.org/node/40396 Page 6 of 10