Egyptian network providers share willingness to expand services to Gaza

After a mass blackout in Gaza, Egyptian telecommunications providers, including Vodafone Egypt, Etisalat Misr, and Orange Egypt, have communicated their willingness to extend services to the affected area. Their statements come following the interruption of connectivity in the Gaza Strip due to the advancement of Israeli troops into the northern part of the Strip. Advocacy group NetBlocks.org revealed that connectivity in the area was slowly being restored, with internet connectivity returning to some parts of the strip on Sunday, around 6 AM Cairo Time. One official from Vodafone Egypt mentioned the company's readiness to transport mobile cell towers to the Egyptian border city of Rafah, which are capable of covering up to 10km within the Strip if operated at maximum power. However, the official clarified that any action would require coordination with Egypt and Palestine. Similar reports from local media suggest that Etisalat Misr is also contemplating lending its support through existing towers and mobile units, with discussions underway with Egypt's National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to coordinate and obtain necessary approvals. Meanwhile, Orange Egypt is also in talks with the NTRA about expanding its service coverage in the Strip. These proactive stances by the telecom providers come in response to calls on social media to extend coverage to Gaza after Friday's mass communication blackout. The events of the past week have seen around 80 trucks carrying humanitarian aid cross into Gaza from Egypt, but the interruption of telecommunications reportedly interfered with the coordination of aid delivery.