Not only is the Mubarak regime in Egypt willing to cut off the cellular connectivity to the populace of Egypt to stem the organization of protests and complaints to the outside world, they’re also totally cool using the same infrastructure to launch their own political counter-offensive. Vodafone has confirmed that the government has been using a emergency SMS channels to send out messages like “Egypt’s youth. Beware rumors and listen to the voice of reason. Egypt is above all so preserve it.” and “To each mother-father-sister-brother, to every honest citizen. Preserve this country because the homeland stays forever.” The content of these messages is entirely out of the carriers’ control, and the channel is applicable across Etisalat and Mobinil service providers in the area as well.
Obviously, Vodafone’s not too happy about the situation:
“Vodafone Group has protested to the authorities that the current situation regarding these messages is unacceptable. We have made clear that all messages should be transparent and clearly attributable to the originator.”
At least the cell networks are mostly back up again, though text messaging is still disabled. Mubarak has said that he won’t run for another term of presidency, but considering how many Egyptians just want the guy dead, I have a feeling he’ll be out of there before September rolls around.
[via Danger Room]