Google urges Syrians to use Speak2Tweet service to counter internet blackouts

The latest in a line of internet blackouts in civil war-stricken Syria prompted Google to encourage Syrians with phone access to use its Speak2Tweet service to maintain online communications.

A statement from Google on Tuesday evening said: "Internet access has been completely cut off in Syria in the past few hours. Mobile phones and landlines may not be working properly either. But those who still have a phone connection can still use Speak2Tweet by leaving a voicemail on one of these international phone number.

"No internet connection is required and people can listen to the messages by dialling the same phone numbers of going to twitter.com/speak2tweet."

Communications: Google's tweet service can be used offline

Reports on Wednesday suggested internet coverage was coming back up after the outage, which the Syrian state news agency said was the result of a fault in optical fibre cables.

Syrians have experienced internet outages within the last two years of civil war with accusations flying between government and rebel forces over responsibility.

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