Prolonged Internet Ban in Manipur Impacts Remote Workers and Businesses Operating Across Time Zones

Phanjoubam Herojit Meitei *

In a series of devastating blows to the remote working community and businesses reliant on digital platforms, Manipur governments', led by Honourable Chief Minister Biren Singh, persistent imposition of an Internet ban since May 3 has unleashed severe disruptions and financial losses. Professionals working remotely, particularly those residing in different time zones like India, are bearing the brunt of this extended outage, resulting in a cascade of adverse effects on their livelihoods.

The Internet ban, initially declared as a temporary measure for five days, has been consistently extended in five-day increments, leaving remote workers and entrepreneurs in a state of uncertainty. With no clear end in sight, the consequences of this protracted disruption are beginning to mount, jeopardizing the very foundation of businesses dependent on online connectivity.

Remote workers, whose professions heavily rely on stable Internet connections, have been hit hard by the ban. These professionals, often responsible for managing websites and applications, are grappling with communication challenges, loss of productivity, and a shrinking client base. Compounded by the significant time difference, with most of their clients located in time zones such as Pacific Standard Time (PST), maintaining effective communication and meeting project deadlines has become increasingly challenging.

Moreover, businesses that rely heavily on websites and apps are feeling the adverse effects of the Internet ban. The inability to access their online platforms and serve customers has led to a sharp decline in sales and tarnished reputations. The lack of timely updates and resolution of technical issues further exacerbates the situation, resulting in dissatisfied customers and potential damage to brand image.

Adding to the struggles, individuals managing their Virtual Private Servers (VPS) hosted on platforms like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud etc. are experiencing significant setbacks. With these servers rendered inaccessible during the ban, businesses face hurdles in maintaining smooth operations, leaving them vulnerable to technical glitches and security breaches.

To make matters worse, the limited availability of Internet connectivity provided by government-arranged institutes exacerbates the challenges faced by remote workers operating in different time zones. The provided connectivity is only accessible during Indian Standard Time (IST) office hours, typically ranging from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

This schedule fails to cater to the needs of remote workers who follow Pacific Standard Time (PST)/Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) working hours, which often extend into the late evening and night in IST. Consequently, these workers find themselves disconnected from their clients and unable to fulfill their work obligations, placing them at a significant disadvantage compared to their counterparts in regions with unrestricted Internet access.

The persistent extension of the Internet ban by Chief Minister Biren Singh led Manipur government has sparked frustration and despair among the remote working community and businesses in Manipur. Many individuals have already experienced significant financial losses, losing clients and facing the daunting task of rebuilding their businesses once the ban is lifted.

As remote workers and businesses desperately await a resolution to this crisis, it is crucial for policymakers to evaluate the impact of such bans on the economy. Efforts should be made to find alternative solutions that balance security concerns while minimizing the disruption to livelihoods and economic activities. Recognizing the essential role of the Internet in today's world, it is imperative to explore more sustainable strategies that address security concerns without hindering the growth of remote work and businesses.

Amidst the challenges faced by remote workers and businesses due to the prolonged Internet ban, it is important to acknowledge that many individuals in the remote working community are aware of Chief Minister Biren Singh's earnest efforts to restore normalcy during this difficult time.

Recognizing the complexities of balancing security concerns with the needs of the workforce, remote workers understand that the chief minister is navigating a challenging situation. While they express their concerns about the impact of the Internet ban on their livelihoods, they also appreciate the government's commitment to maintaining stability and security within the region. Remote workers and businesses hope for a prompt resolution that addresses both security concerns and the need for reliable Internet access, allowing them to resume their work without further disruption.

The current state of affairs in Manipur serves as a stark reminder of the need for reliable and uninterrupted Internet access for remote workers and businesses to thrive. It is imperative for all stakeholders to work together and find a swift resolution to restore connectivity and enable a conducive environment for remote work and digital entrepreneurship to flourish once again.