Hello from the other side

Welcome to "Hello from the Other Side", a powerful online photo gallery that captures the struggle to stay connected amidst the turmoil in Myanmar.

This collection, a collaboration between the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) and three talented photographers from Karen, Sagaing, and Karenni, brings to life the stories of individuals battling digital repression. Through these images, we hope to shed light on the realities of internet access in conflict zones and the resilience of those fighting to stay online.

The internet is not a given. Let these visuals speak to that truth. These photos can be used under creative commons license CC BY-NC-SA.

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

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

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

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