Projects are expected to pay back the money allocated through the fund in full and the estimated time scale for repaying the interest free loan is a requirement in the application process.
It's not just one of the longest-serving releases at nearly 20 years old -- it's designed to be "pure" and cut back on customized apps, many graphical interface assistants and the requirement to download anything during the installation process.
Perhaps more significant is the requirement to purchase prepaid SIMs for border crossings -- a process so expensive and convoluted that this limitation seriously diminishes the convenience factor for frequent travelers.
Among military projects, that process is particularly bogged down, largely because of a requirement for review and oversight of study proposals by both an institutional review board and military officials.