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Egypt shuts down Facebook’s free basic programme

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A week after India’s telecom regulator ordered the suspension of Facebook’s Free Basics as it prepares to hold public hearings on net neutrality, the program which gives free access to certain Internet services, has been shut down in Egypt.
A report cites a government official who said the service was suspended because Facebook had not renewed a necessary permit, and not related to security concerns.

Confirming the suspension, a Facebook spokesperson confirmed the shutdown in an emailed statement, but did not disclose the reason behind the suspension.

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“We’re disappointed that Free Basics will no longer be available in Egypt as of December 30, 2015. Already more than 3 million Egyptians use Free Basics and through Free Basics more than 1 million people who were previously unconnected are now using the internet because of these efforts.

“We are committed to Free Basics, and we’re going to keep working to serve our community to provide access to connectivity and valuable services. We hope to resolve this situation soon,” the statement read.

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