During the Internet shutdown from January 28 to February 2, news continued to flow through the work of dedicated citizens determined to thwart the attempts at censorship.
As Eva Galperin of the Electronic Frontier Foundation said:
“For example, France Data Network (FDN) and Telecomix News Agency responded by providing dial-up access to Egyptians during the Internet blackout. In a press release, FDN characterized the blackout as an “open attack from a state against the Internet” and offered its dial-up services to Egyptians with analog phones that could call into France as a way of helping to support freedom of expression. Telecomix News Agency, an organization devoted to informing the public about Internet freedom issues, also provided dial-up access as well as extensive technical support. In spite of the government’s autocratic control over Egyptian ISPs, the quick, principled establishment of alternatives was able to keep information flowing.” -db
From the Electronic Frontier Foundation, February 8, 2011, commentary by Eva Galperin.