On the other hand, people fomenting riot aren't interested in getting connected to the Egyptian Museum. Using a modem and landline to dial out to international numbers can get your message tweeted online where those outside the country can read it (including the government, of course).

And Packet Radio will let you communicate to other hams within the country so they can coordinate meetings and the like without actually saying the words "meet me at the Golden Door at five." And the packets stay on a node (which can be in another country outside the reach of men with guns) till the recipient can get on the air to receive them.

And a big issue is health and welfare. Leaving messages that say "I'm well" is often the goal and a huge relief to friends and family outside the area. There are a great many uses for messaging other than reaching the Egyptian Museum or coordinating strikes and protests.