I don't think that's a representation of the full picture. a cheap android phone would undoubtedly also come with google preinstalled, thus cache/AMP access to Wikipedia

I don't think a telecoms company or phone manufacturer could reliably restrict the ever changing landscape of internet access without affecting usability and social media consumption

I don't think they are using customised iPhones where perhaps such limits may be imposed

I don't think any determined Laotian kid would consider a free vpn an obstacle

I don't think it's unreasonable to say where there's a will there's a way

I don't think it's an impossible feat

> a cheap android phone would undoubtedly also come with google preinstalled

Plenty of Android phones don't come with Google preinstalled.

> thus cache/AMP access to Wikipedia

Even if you have Google on your phone, that doesn't mean you won't need a paid data plan to actually use it.

> I don't think a telecoms company or phone manufacturer could reliably restrict the ever changing landscape of internet access without affecting usability and social media consumption

But that's the point? If you want better usability, you're expected to pay for full internet access.

I think you are trying to find a technical solution to a social problem. Eventually technical solutions will be needed, yes.

Right now it's unreal to even think about VPNs and proxies and customized phones etc. It's not a technical obstacle for that Lao kid, it's a different universe, they never even heard of, nor their peers, parents, teachers, or anyone in their surroundings.