Connecting Humanity: Difference between revisions
→Use of eSIMs: Roaming & QR linkage; Nomad, Holafly, and Simly to be curated and linked. Tag: Disambiguation links added |
→Impact: c\e |
||
| Line 116: | Line 116: | ||
== Impact == |
== Impact == |
||
Connecting Humanity |
Connecting Humanity/Gaza claims that by December 2023, 200,000 Gazans (approximately 10% of the population) had received internet access through an eSIM.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Elassar |first1=Alaa| last2=Tucker |first2=Emma |date=2023-12-03 |title=When Gaza lost phone and internet under Israeli attack, this activist found a way to get Palestinians back online |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/03/middleeast/gaza-palestinians-blackouts-power-airstrikes/index.html |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> |
||
== References == |
== References == |
||
Revision as of 13:19, 28 April 2024
| Founder | Mirna El Helbawi |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Website | gazaesims |
Connecting Humanity is a collective which provides internet access to people in Gaza using donated eSIMs, allowing them to connect to networks outside of Gaza.[1][2] It is run by Mirna El Helbawi, an Egyptian journalist, writer and activist.[3][4] Over 200,000 people in Gaza (around 10% of the population) have received internet access through an eSIM.[5][6]
Background
The Israeli Ministry of Communications has control over the cellular communications and technology Palestinians may build, which has been limited to 2G.[1][7] Direct attacks on telecommunications infrastructure by Israel, electricity blockades and fuel shortages have caused the near-total collapse of Gaza's largest cell network providers.[4][5][8]
Lack of internet access has obstructed Gazan citizens from communicating with loved ones, learning of IDF operations, and identifying both the areas most exposed to bombing and possible escape routes.[4] The blackouts have also impeded emergency services, making it more difficult to locate and access the time-critical injured ,[4] and have impeded humanitarian aid agencies and journalists as well. [4]
First use of eSIMs
The Egyptian journalist, writer and activist Mirna El Helbawi discovered that eSIMs (a programmable SIM card built into a smartphone[9]) could be used by people in Gaza to connect to remote telecommunication networks whilst roaming (primarily Egyptian and Israeli networks).[10][11] The first people she was able to connect by this method were Egyptian journalist Ahmed El-Madhoun and Palestinian journalist Hind Khoudary.[12][4] The collective uses eSIMs from the providers Nomad, Holafly, and Simly which are activated by unique one-time QR Codes[13]
Impact
Connecting Humanity/Gaza claims that by December 2023, 200,000 Gazans (approximately 10% of the population) had received internet access through an eSIM.[14]
References
- ^ a b Vo, Lam Thuy (2023-11-07). "'Let Me Tell Them Goodbye Before They Get Killed': How eSIM Cards Are Connecting Palestinian Families – The Markup". themarkup.org. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ Kershner, Isabel; Nereim, Vivian; Shankar, Vivek; Rogers, Katie (29 October 2023). "Gazans had no cell service. An effort led from Egypt helped reconnect them". The New York Times.
- ^ "This activist is helping Palestinians get back online in Gaza when connection is lost under Israeli attack". CNN. 2023-12-04. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ a b c d e f Español, Marc (2024-01-29). "The Egyptians who have sent more than 130,000 digital cell phone cards to Gaza to defy blackouts". EL PAÍS English. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
- ^ a b Aly, Rasha (2023-12-17). "Palestinians in Gaza using eSim cards to get around communications blackout". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ "When Gaza lost telephone and internet connection, this activist found a way to get Palestinians back online". The Mercury News. 2023-12-03. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ "Why Gaza keeps losing communications". Washington Post. 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ Vo, Lam Thuy (2023-11-07). "'Let Me Tell Them Goodbye Before They Get Killed': How eSIM Cards Are Connecting Palestinian Families – The Markup". themarkup.org. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ "What is an eSIM? Here's all you need to know in 2024". Saily. Retrieved 2024-04-26.
- ^ Collier, Kevin; Abdelkader, Rima (19 January 2024). "Palestinians are using donated eSIM cards to stay in touch with the outside world". NBC News. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ "How eSims are helping thousands in Gaza stay connected amid blackouts". NPR.
- ^ Hesham, Merna (2024-03-19). "'Palestinians won't be silenced again!' : Egyptian journalist Mirna El-Helbawi initiative to get Gaza back online". Ahram Online.
- ^ "eSims For Gaza". gazaesims.com. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
- ^ Elassar, Alaa; Tucker, Emma (2023-12-03). "When Gaza lost phone and internet under Israeli attack, this activist found a way to get Palestinians back online". CNN. Retrieved 2024-03-19.