When mass protests erupt in Iran, the authorities often respond swiftly by shutting down the internet. This tactic, employed repeatedly during periods of unrest, aims to disrupt communication among organisers, slow the spread of protest footage, and limit access to independent news. During the latest blackout, internet connectivity reportedly plummeted to a fraction of normal levels, leaving citizens largely cut off from the outside world.
Yet even in such conditions, many Iranians have found a way to stay connected: Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service. Unlike traditional broadband or mobile networks, Starlink delivers internet via satellites, making it far more resilient to government shutdowns. While service can be intermittent, satellite connectivity allows users to send videos and images abroad, communicate with family overseas, access messaging apps, and coordinate activities in areas where mobile networks are crippled.
Although Starlink is officially banned in Iran, thousands of terminals have entered the country through informal channels. These devices have become invaluable tools, particularly during blackouts, with some shared among multiple users. The Iranian government has attempted to jam Starlink signals, making connections unreliable, and has sought to locate terminals in high-risk areas. Nevertheless, Starlink frequently counters with software updates designed to reduce interference, creating a continual “cat and mouse” struggle.
The legal risks for Iranian users are growing. Possessing or using Starlink terminals can carry severe penalties, with proposals suggesting sentences of up to 10 years. Internationally, the service has faced regulatory scrutiny, but the US has authorised certain communications tools to support internet freedom in Iran, easing access for users during shutdowns.
Starlink’s impact has even reached global political discussions. Reports indicate that former US President Donald Trump consulted Elon Musk regarding connectivity during the blackouts, highlighting the service’s geopolitical significance.
Ultimately, the Starlink saga underscores a larger reality: in today’s world, internet access is a vital component of civic participation. For Iranian protesters, Starlink has become more than a technology it is a lifeline, enabling the flow of information despite government efforts to impose digital silence.
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