Government Internet Shutdowns Cost $19.7B in 2025 1/9/26, 2:49 PM Bluetooth Mesh Networks During complete blackouts, you can use apps such as Bridgefy or FireChat. These tools create local peer-to-peer mesh networks using Bluetooth, allowing nearby users to exchange messages without an internet connection. Roaming SIM Cards If an internet shutdown appears likely, you can also prepare by purchasing an international roaming SIM from a neighboring country. Foreign carriers are often unaffected by local outages, although access may come at a significantly higher cost. Sneakernet A “sneakernet” involves physically transporting data between people when digital communication is impossible, or smuggling information out of a censored area. Store important files on encrypted USB drives or external hard disks, using tools like VeraCrypt, and pass them to someone traveling to the intended destination. Cost of Internet Shutdowns 2024 Report Published on 2 January 2025, our 2024 annual report estimated the total economic impact of government internet shutdowns to be $7.69 billion. Internet Shutdowns Costs in 2024 $7.69 billion: economic cost of internet shutdowns globally in 2024 167 major internet outages took place in 28 countries in 2024 https://www.top10vpn.com/research/cost-of-internet-shutdowns/ Page 26 of 33