A Country Pushed Into Digital Darkness

Iran’s government has cut off most of the country’s internet amid nationwide protests, leaving citizens isolated from global communication networks. Most mobile and broadband connections were disabled as part of an effort to suppress information flow and stifle dissent, forcing Iranians offline in large numbers.

But in this severe shutdown — one of the most extensive in Iran’s history — a few people are still reaching the outside world. They are doing so using Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet network.

Starlink works by sending internet signals from low-Earth orbit satellites directly to small ground terminals. That setup lets users bypass the fiber-optic cables and telecom towers the government cut, providing connectivity even when conventional internet is blocked.

What Users Are Reporting on the Ground

Three people inside Iran told Reuters that the Starlink service is still functioning in some areas, particularly in border regions and larger cities. Users described the connectivity as “patchy but still there,” meaning the service is not perfect but still active where terminals are available.

Internet monitoring group NetBlocks confirmed this patchy access. Meanwhile, non-satellite connectivity across the country has fallen to around 1% of normal levels, underscoring how isolated Iran has become. Even so, the number of people with access remains small.

Government Response and Jamming Efforts

Iran has taken extreme measures to keep information contained. Authorities are reportedly deploying jamming technology designed to disrupt Starlink’s signal, countering the satellite network’s ability to deliver reliable internet to users inside the country.

The state’s broader blackout strategy closely resembles a “kill switch” — an effort to sever digital communication entirely during political unrest. This tactic aims to prevent the spread of protest footage and coordination among demonstrators.

At the same time, Tehran has made Starlink usage illegal and punishable by law. The Iranian government blames unrest on “terrorists” and maintains that shutting down communication is essential for national security.