Trends
Iranians turn to Starlink to bypass Iran’s internet blackout
Amid Iran’s internet blackout, some citizens are using Elon Musk’s Starlink to access the web, despite government restrictions.
Headline
Amid Iran’s internet blackout, some citizens are using Elon Musk’s Starlink to access the web, despite government restrictions.
Context
Some Iranians are continuing to access the internet using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite broadband service despite the Iranian government’s near‑complete blackout of conventional internet services. The blackout, which began on 8 January 2026, has slashed non‑satellite connectivity to about 1% of normal levels, affecting fibre‑optic and mobile networks across the country. According to three people inside Iran who spoke to Reuters, Starlink — a constellation of low‑Earth‑orbit satellites operated by SpaceX — remains functional in some areas, particularly in border regions, even though Iran has banned the technology. Alp Toker, founder of internet monitoring group NetBlocks, told Reuters that the satellite service “is patchy, but still there,” underscoring that connectivity varies by location and interference.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Starlink’s use in Iran mirrors patterns from other geopolitical flashpoints such as Ukraine, Myanmar and Sudan, where satellite broadband has been used to circumvent state‑imposed internet blackouts. The service is expensive — standard terminals cost several hundred dollars plus monthly fees — meaning many Iranians cannot afford legal access. Iranian authorities have reportedly attempted to disrupt satellite signals with jamming, making reliable connectivity difficult even for users with terminals. Starlink is not licensed to operate in Iran, and the government has passed laws imposing severe penalties for use or distribution of the unapproved technology. The partial use of Starlink in Iran highlights a growing tension between state censorship and efforts to maintain communications in repressive environments. Governments sometimes shut down domestic internet access during protests or conflict to control information flows and suppress dissent, leaving citizens isolated. Satellite broadband services such as Starlink offer an alternative route to connectivity, but they also raise thorny issues. Affordability and availability limit widespread adoption in countries with deep economic distress. Meanwhile, the legality of using unlicensed satellite services in jurisdictions that ban them exposes users to potential criminal penalties.
Key Points
- Despite a near‑total communications blackout, some Iranians are managing to reach the internet via Starlink satellite service.
- Access remains patchy and limited, raising questions about cost, legality and risks amid escalating protests.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
