Reply #53: How 'rebel' phone network evaded shutdown

[joshcryer]

http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/04/20114233530919767.html">How 'rebel' phone network evaded shutdown
Benghazi, LIBYA -- On February 17, Ahmed el-Mahdawi's duty engineer called him from the Libyana mobile phone company’s switch room in Benghazi's Fuihat neighbourhood. Military and internal security forces had begun brutally repressing anti-government protesters in Libya's second-largest city, and gunfire rang out through the darkened streets.

"Ahmed, it's dangerous, I'm going home," the man said.

Ahmed told him to go. The man closed down the office, locked the door and left. The team would return five days later. In the meantime, protesters overthrew the city's military garrison and ousted forces loyal to longtime Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Hundreds of civilians were killed and injured.

As the violence raged, Gaddafi's regime severed eastern Libya's communication with the outside world, blocking internet access and international phone calls. News of the brutal crackdown leaked out through rare satellite Internet connections that allowed residents to make intermittent Skype calls, MSN chats, and sometimes upload mobile phone videos. Occasionally, an international call connected to a voice in Benghazi.

Amazing article. They're about to return internet to the east. It'll be interesting, to say the least. The translators are going to be working overtime.