GSMA Statement on Connectivity and Network Disruptions

19/03/2021

The GSMA is deeply concerned about the impact that government/authorities' restrictions on connectivity and internet services are having on citizens and businesses in Myanmar. We call for the restoration of services in Myanmar, and any other country affected by service restrictions orders and network disruptions, as soon as possible.

Restricting access to connectivity has far-reaching implications on people's health, education, social and economic welfare. Prolonged lack of services is even more harmful in this time of a global health pandemic, and in such volatile times in Myanmar, as individuals increasingly rely on digital connectivity for their livelihoods and to access essential services and information.

Governments should only resort to service restriction orders in exceptional and pre-defined circumstances, and only if absolutely necessary and proportionate to achieve a specified and legitimate aim consistent with internationally recognised human rights and relevant laws. There should also be due process, oversight and transparency on the use of restriction orders.

The GSMA believes Governments should seek to avoid or mitigate the potentially harmful effects of service restriction orders by minimising the number of demands, the geographic scope, the functional scope, the number of potentially affected individuals and businesses and the duration of any restriction.

The GSMA stands ready to work constructively with relevant governments, authorities and stakeholders to assist in the restoration of services or mitigation of adverse impacts in all affected countries.

Background Information

As providers of critical national infrastructure, mobile networks play an important role in protecting the general public and society as a whole. For example, mobile networks are used as a means of communication for the emergency services, particularly when responding to major incidents, while many incidents are reported by the public via mobile devices.

Service restrictions orders can affect the ability of society to function, individuals to transfer funds to friends and family and businesses to transact, pay suppliers or salaries. This can have a knock-on effect on credit and investment plans, ultimately damaging a country's reputation for managing the economy and foreign investment, and discouraging donor countries from providing funds or other resources. Service disruptions which result in mobile operator financial losses, or supply chain disruptions, can also have longer-term implications on investment in those markets and subsequently further negative impacts on digital inclusion.

The GSMA discourages the use of service restriction orders. Governments should only resort to that measure in exceptional and pre-defined circumstances, and only if absolutely necessary and proportionate to achieve a specified and legitimate aim that is consistent with internationally recognised human rights and relevant laws.

Further information (GSMA.com) -

https://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/resources/safety-privacy-security-across-mobile-ecosystem

https://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/mobilepolicyhandbook/consumer-protection#service-restriction-orders

-ENDS-

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with almost 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Africa, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Thrive Series of regional conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

Media Contacts:

GSMA Press Office pressoffice@gsma.com

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GSMA Statement on Connectivity and Network Disruptions

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