Even amid a significant communications outage across Iran, some individuals are relying on Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, according to three local sources. This situation highlights how Starlink continues to play a role in addressing internet access issues in regions experiencing political turmoil.
Recently, Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on protests, which has led to a near-total shutdown of internet services that rely on fiber-optic cables and mobile networks.
However, several people within Iran, including a resident from the western region, report that Starlink is still functional in certain areas, despite its official ban. This individual mentioned that many in border towns are still connected without significant interruptions.
Alp Tokar, the founder of NetBlocks, an internet monitoring organization, expressed that he’s received information indicating that some access to Starlink remains, albeit reduced. “It’s spotty, but it’s still there,” he noted.
Tokar also emphasized that the widespread blackout initiated on January 8 continues, with non-satellite internet accessibility down to about 1% of its usual levels, based on the data monitored by NetBlocks.
Although it’s unclear how connectivity was disrupted in Iran, experts speculate that jamming of Starlink terminals might have hindered their ability to receive signals.
Starlink, part of SpaceX, did not reply to inquiries for commentary. Due to the ongoing communication issues, reaching Iranian officials has also been difficult. The Iranian government has attributed the unrest to terrorism and has committed to safeguarding its governance structure.
An important tool in global conflicts
The fact that some protesters in Iran still access communication through Starlink illustrates its influence in global conflicts and unrest. For example, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Starlink has been crucial for the Ukrainian military. It’s also utilized by various opposition and aid groups in Myanmar amidst the military’s internet blackouts and has been instrumental in Sudan’s ongoing civil strife with frequent power outages.
Former President Trump recently mentioned his intention to discuss internet restoration with Musk but didn’t specify Starlink. Previously, Musk had provided free Starlink devices to Ukraine and offered complimentary internet services there. The cost for a standard Starlink terminal is about $599, alongside an ongoing service fee, which makes it inaccessible for many in Iran.
Musk’s capacity to shift the dynamics of global conflicts was evident in 2022 when he paused Starlink services as Ukraine regained territories from Russia. Additionally, while Starlink isn’t authorized for use in Iran, Musk has stated that it operates there. In past communications, he indicated that access beams were activated.
Following hostilities between Iran and Israel last June, Iran’s parliament enacted laws that restrict the use of Starlink and imposed severe penalties for its unauthorized use or distribution, according to local media reports.
