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Hello from the other side
“Hello from the other side” gallery is a collection of photos expressing the struggle of people to stay connected amid brutal battles.
Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) collaborated with three photographers from Karen, Sagaing and Karenni to capture real-life stories of the internet struggle in Myanmar.
The objective is to provide visual assistance to understand the magnitude of digital repression and resistance in the country.
The internet is not “given”. Observe the visuals.
A local internet café (Wifi Spot) in Sagaing Region, Upper-Myanmar
Synopsis
When mobile and internet access falter, connection convenience areas become lifelines. These gathering points provide essential access to the internet and electricity, allowing people to stay connected even in challenging conditions.
According to the limited scalability of community internet cafes people need to be gathered around the access point which on the other hand, can be risky for airstrikes. However, despite the risk, this is the best possible solution for the lay people inside the country.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
When mobile and internet access falter, connection convenience areas become lifelines. These gathering points provide essential access to the internet and electricity, allowing people to stay connected even in challenging conditions.
According to the limited scalability of community internet cafes people need to be gathered around the access point which on the other hand, can be risky for airstrikes. However, despite the risk, this is the best possible solution for the lay people inside the country.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
A farmer in Kawkareik township listening to the radio
Synopsis
A farmer in Kawkareik township, KNU controlled area in Karen State listening to the international news on the radio.
In internet inaccessible areas, FM radio programs became one of the major resistance tactic to tackle the internet inaccessibility and critical information shortage.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
A farmer in Kawkareik township, KNU controlled area in Karen State listening to the international news on the radio.
In internet inaccessible areas, FM radio programs became one of the major resistance tactic to tackle the internet inaccessibility and critical information shortage.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
Women using internet on a mountain peak at night time
Synopsis
Spilled over 2G/3G connection can be detected in some places such as mountain peaks. Locals have to risk getting to the place in order to get connected with their families and colleagues.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
Spilled over 2G/3G connection can be detected in some places such as mountain peaks. Locals have to risk getting to the place in order to get connected with their families and colleagues.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
A phone tied to the tree, where connection can be detected in Karen State.
Synopsis
According to the internet shutdowns, signal detection is very random in conflict areas. Finding a spot with signal coverage is like discovering a place created by divine forces. Reaching these areas and waiting for a phone call becomes an essential, almost sacred task.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
According to the internet shutdowns, signal detection is very random in conflict areas. Finding a spot with signal coverage is like discovering a place created by divine forces. Reaching these areas and waiting for a phone call becomes an essential, almost sacred task.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
A Kayan woman listening to the FM radio
Synopsis
In areas where the internet is often cut off, radio becomes a vital tool for survival. Delivering accurate news is essential for keeping communities informed and safe.
Photo - Thomas Linn
In areas where the internet is often cut off, radio becomes a vital tool for survival. Delivering accurate news is essential for keeping communities informed and safe.
Photo - Thomas Linn
A man manually adjusting homemade bamboo tower in Sagaing region
Synopsis
The device at the top of the homemade bamboo tower is a signal booster/range extender used to receive and expand available spill over internet connection.The bamboo stick has to be rotated around to scan the network manually periodically, to get better signal.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
The device at the top of the homemade bamboo tower is a signal booster/range extender used to receive and expand available spill over internet connection.The bamboo stick has to be rotated around to scan the network manually periodically, to get better signal.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
A man repairing damaged cell tower in Ayardaw, Sagaing Region.
Synopsis
Infrastructure damage is another major factor of internet inaccessibility along with internet shutdowns.
More than 400 cell towers were destroyed in 2021 alone (Reuters, 2021).
Resistance groups are attempting to restore damaged cell towers in blackout areas to re-establish makeshift internet connections. However, a significant obstacle they face is the lack of sufficient technical expertise, which has become a major barrier to their efforts.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
Infrastructure damage is another major factor of internet inaccessibility along with internet shutdowns.
More than 400 cell towers were destroyed in 2021 alone (Reuters, 2021).
Resistance groups are attempting to restore damaged cell towers in blackout areas to re-establish makeshift internet connections. However, a significant obstacle they face is the lack of sufficient technical expertise, which has become a major barrier to their efforts.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
Novices watching Youtube in KNU controlled Win Yay (Lutshan) township, Karen State.
Synopsis
A group of young novices gather in a spot, where the only detectable internet connection can be found. Huddled together, they watch YouTube videos, drawn to this particular location for its rare access to the outside world.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
A group of young novices gather in a spot, where the only detectable internet connection can be found. Huddled together, they watch YouTube videos, drawn to this particular location for its rare access to the outside world.
Photo - Sit Htet Aung
Local youngsters enjoying the satellite internet on a bomb shelter
Synopsis
Local youngsters regularly enjoy the satellite internet on a bomb shelter due to frequent airstrikes by the military.
They targeted an internet café (Wifi spot) in Sagaing Region in May, 2024.
After the bombing, many internet cafes in Sagaing Region have built bomb-shelters to ensure safety of their internet users.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
Local youngsters regularly enjoy the satellite internet on a bomb shelter due to frequent airstrikes by the military.
They targeted an internet café (Wifi spot) in Sagaing Region in May, 2024.
After the bombing, many internet cafes in Sagaing Region have built bomb-shelters to ensure safety of their internet users.
Photo - Nyein Chan May
Two women using Starlink Internet at an Internet café in Demoso Township.
Synopsis
Civilians caught in conflict are increasingly isolated, due to internet shutdowns imposed by the military as well as the infrastructure damage.
Starlink internet cafes have emerged as vital public spaces in Myanmar, providing much-needed connectivity. However, the potential regulatory threats of Starlink being cut off, along with logistical challenges and its association with criminalized online gambling operations, put those who rely on it for access to the internet for critical information in difficult positions, leaving them vulnerable and facing significant obstacles.
Photo - Thomas Linn
Civilians caught in conflict are increasingly isolated, due to internet shutdowns imposed by the military as well as the infrastructure damage.
Starlink internet cafes have emerged as vital public spaces in Myanmar, providing much-needed connectivity. However, the potential regulatory threats of Starlink being cut off, along with logistical challenges and its association with criminalized online gambling operations, put those who rely on it for access to the internet for critical information in difficult positions, leaving them vulnerable and facing significant obstacles.
Photo - Thomas Linn
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