When you shut down the internet and cell phones

[malaise]

in countries where people are regular uses, you're begging young people of all classes to join the protests.
I don't think governments have a clue how addicted young folk are to their technology.

That was the worst decision ever made.

[justiceischeap]

1. I know the cells were up a bit late last night, have they shut them off again?

I don't recall reports of the Internet being back on tho.

[malaise]

2. The cells are slowly returning

but the net is still down.

[RichGirl]

3. They did turn them back on.

It's not just about the protesters. Egypt, like everywhere else, uses the internet and cellphones for many businesses. Imagine what would happened here if our internet and cell service were shut down. They also rely heavily on the tourist trade...the pyramids and all...for their economy. No travel arrangments, airline, hotels, etc can be made. And when you shut down tourists phones and their ability to communicate with home, you are putting that whole industry in jeopardy.

[siligut]

4. They shut down air travel too

Drastic times call for drastic measures.

[siligut]

5. Here is a link to a thread on DU if anyone hasn't seen it

How to communicate if the Government shuts off your Internet: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=439&topic_id=296652

[phasma ex machina]

6. "Without Internet, Egyptians find new ways to get online"

"When countries block, we evolve," an activist with the group We Rebuild wrote in a Twitter message on Friday. (link)

[malaise]

7. That's true but they enraged people who would normally stay home

and blog or communicate with friends and family

[ixion]

8. Indeed. Talk about throwing gas on a fire

it was a horrible decision, and endemic of Egypt's woes.

[malaise]

9. I hope Western governments are watching

what not to do.