State of Freedom of Expression in Myanmar (July 2026)
During July 2026, significant challenges were encountered in accessing Starlink internet, which has become a primary reliance in Myanmar’s conflict zones. Starlink usage in Myanmar mainly relies on the Roam Plan. The company notified users via email to transition to the Global Priority Plan, warning that failure to switch within the specified timeframe could result in service suspension. Since the Global Priority Plan carries significantly higher costs and clear policies regarding long-term availability for Myanmar have not yet been released, uncertainty among users continues to rise.
Starting around June, Starlink devices in Myanmar began experiencing region-restricted and country- restricted errors, leading to consecutive service outages. These restrictions and service failures have been predominantly reported in Karen, Karenni, Rakhine, Shan, Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, and several other resistance-controlled areas.
Following the 2021 military coup, phone lines and mobile internet services in conflict areas were cut off by the military, prompting the adoption of Starlink as an alternative means of communication starting in late 2023. In numerous conflict regions, including Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Tanintharyi, Kachin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine, Karen, and Karenni, Starlink serves as the last remaining lifeline for communication. Although Starlink serves as a critical communication channel in these areas, resistance forces have also imposed restrictions on its use, citing military and security reasons.
Because Starlink is the primary communication channel for conflict zones, disruptions directly impact the daily lives of local populations. In particular, it affects access to emergency information regarding airstrikes and military movements, emergency healthcare, humanitarian response efforts, education, freedom of information, and communication among family members. Furthermore, the inability to access mobile banking and online money transfer services poses severe difficulties for remitting funds and purchasing food and medicine.
In July, as July marks key anniversaries such as 7th July and July 19 (Martyrs’ Day), anti-military dictatorship strike groups both domestically and abroad organized peaceful protests, strike actions, and memorial campaigns on social media. During a commemoration ceremony for the 79th Martyrs’ Day held inside Monywa Prison, prison authorities reportedly threatened political prisoners at gunpoint by cocking their firearms and led away those leading the event. This incident reflects the military junta’s aggressive crackdown on Martyrs’ Day commemorative activities.
