Thinzar Nwe, Narinjara News,  2 November 2024

In Arakan State, radio prices have jumped to over 100,000 Kyats as locals turn to them for news during ongoing phone and internet outages.

A man from Zin Chaung sub-township in Kyaukphyu Township told Narinjara News that people are increasingly using radios for updates since phone and internet services were cut.

"With no internet, we get news from the radio. We depend on BBC, VOA, and RFA broadcasts to know what's going on," he said.

He mentioned that radios once cost between 6,000 and 10,000 Kyats, but now sell for up to 100,000 Kyats.

"We're keen on news, so we find other ways to get it without internet. When they cut off the internet, we faced information blackouts. We couldn't watch TV news due to power cuts. Now, anyone wanting updates turns to the radio," he added.

A resident from Manaung Township said some people in Arakan State use solar power to watch TV news despite ongoing power outages.

"Houses with large solar panels can watch TV news. Before, you could get news on your phone, which was quick and easy. Older folks listen to radio channels," he said.

With phone and internet services down in Arakan State, radio listeners have increased in many townships, including Kyaukphyu, Manaung, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Rathedaung, Kyauktaw, Pauktaw, and Ponnagyun, locals reported.

Since fighting began to take over the town, many areas in Arakan State have faced power outages and disruptions to phone and internet services.