Asia's internet shutdowns pose risks for telecom operators

Government restrictions cause companies to suffer financial and reputational harm

20241217 phone image in Bangladesh

Internet service providers, including Telenor of Norway, are coming under political pressure from authorities in some Asian countries to restrict internet access. (Source photos by Reuters)

AKANE OKUTSU, Nikkei staff writer and FAISAL MAHMUD, Contributing writer

TOKYO/DHAKA -- Asian governments are increasingly restricting internet access for political objectives, posing risks for telecom operators who are left with no choice but to comply.

According to data from a group that monitors internet shutdowns, such outage time in Asia increased by 70% between 2021 and 2023. In the first four months of 2024 alone, there were more than 15,000 hours without internet service.

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