As Iran faces its second week of a national internet blackout, the satellite internet service Starlink has emerged as an essential means for citizens to stay connected with the outside world. However, the Iranian government is reportedly attempting to disrupt this service, prompting many Iranians to devise innovative ways to maintain access.
In a recent Instagram video validated by NBC News, an individual traveling in a car along an Iranian highway showcased a working Starlink device. As he browsed his Instagram feed and tested his internet speed, he remarked on Starlink’s capabilities. This highlights the growing reliance on satellite internet as the state continues its crackdown on communication.
These protests, which have swept through various regions over the last three weeks, were spurred by widespread unrest. In a move to suppress dissent and control information, the Iranian leadership severed internet and phone access last week, a strategy Human Rights Watch notes has enabled the regime to obscure significant human rights violations. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that at least 2,500 people have lost their lives amid these protests, with the Iranian authorities not offering an official death toll.
Compounding the issue, Iran has sought intervention from the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union to halt SpaceX’s operations within the country, but so far, the U.N. has refrained from taking action. Given the extensive limitations on communication, Starlink stands as one of the few remaining options for high-speed satellite internet.
Disturbing images circulating on social media showcase body bags at the Tehran Province Forensic Medicine Diagnostic and Laboratory Center, underscoring the severity of the situation. The same video noted a plea for information about Starlink devices, revealing a desperate search for connectivity.
Despite its life-saving potential, utilizing Starlink comes with significant risks. Amir Rashidi, a director at a nonprofit digital rights group, acknowledged the gravity of connection via Starlink as a criminal act under current laws. This has led to fears of increased state censorship and further penalties for users.
According to Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik, this blackout stands out as one of the most severe ever experienced in Iran, disabling virtually all internet traffic and international communications for a nation of 92 million.
Estimates suggest that there could be tens of thousands of Starlink terminals operational in Iran. Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of Holistic Resilience, stated that methods of access via satellite internet have been essential for information dissemination during this blackout. He pointed out that while the government employs jamming techniques, recent updates from Starlink have helped bypass some restrictions.
Starlink’s user-friendly setup involves a terminal that connects to a network of low-orbit satellites to provide Wi-Fi. However, many terminals had been largely inoperative due to payment issues with Iranian banks until SpaceX recently waived subscription fees for users in Iran.
Musk has remained silent on the situation despite previously supporting initiatives in Venezuela. Activist groups, including the NetFreedom Pioneers, have tirelessly worked to acquire and smuggle Starlink terminals into Iran, raising substantial funds via GoFundMe to cover shipping and logistics costs.
As the Iranian rial continues to plummet against other currencies, affordability remains a major obstacle for most citizens, who struggle under the strain of U.S. sanctions linked to the country’s nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, online advocates are urging individuals in the U.S. to pressure companies, including SpaceX, to create direct-to-cell satellite internet services to help circumvent the government’s control measures.
In an era of immense struggle, the fortitude displayed by Iranians seeking connectivity serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s resilience in the face of oppression.