GPS Capable Mobile Phones Banned in Egypt

­As more phones come with built-in GPS capabilities, importing smartphones into Egypt is proving increasingly difficult - thanks to local laws which restrict the use of GPS without a license. “GPS is allowed in Egypt but you must have a license after getting approval from security authorities,” Sherif Guinena, vice chairman of the National Telecommunication Regulator Agency (NTRA), told the Daily News Egypt newspaper. Anyone importing GPS capable phones - or any device using GPS facilities - faces having not only the unauthorised devices confiscated, but the entire stock belonging to the retailer or wholesaler. “There have been negotiations between us and the authorities to allow GPS commercial use but we didn’t reach anything yet,” added Mr. Guinena. Despite the ban on GPS capable phones, people still smuggle them into the... [read full story]