Starlink, the satellite internet service, has reportedly waived monthly subscription payments for users in Iran, a development occurring amidst a government-imposed internet shutdown during ongoing anti-government protests. While the service provides a channel for communication, its use remains illegal in Iran, and users face legal risks and government countermeasures.
Reported Fee Waiver and Operational Status
Reports from two individuals in Iran and the director of an organization assisting Iranians in online access indicate that Starlink services have become operational without requiring active subscription payments. This reported waiver of fees began around Tuesday, following a government-imposed internet shutdown. SpaceX, the company that operates Starlink, has not officially confirmed these reports.
Context of Internet Shutdown and Protests
The reported Starlink fee waiver coincides with a comprehensive internet shutdown implemented by the Iranian government. This measure, which sources indicate began as early as last Thursday or on January 8, has disconnected millions of people from global communication networks. The shutdown occurred amidst widespread anti-government protests across Iran, reportedly driven by economic concerns and other grievances.
Iranian officials have provided justifications for the internet restrictions. Iran's Foreign Minister stated that the shutdown was implemented "after we confronted terrorist operations and realized orders were coming from outside the country." The Fars news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed the restrictions aimed to prevent foreign social media platforms, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, from being used to "organize violence and unrest."
Human rights organizations have criticized the blanket internet blackout as an abuse of power, noting its impact on the work of those documenting human rights violations. The communication restrictions have complicated the collection and verification of evidence regarding ground activities and casualty figures. Human rights groups have reported varying death tolls from the protests, with figures ranging from over 1,800 to more than 2,500 individuals, including both protesters and security personnel. These organizations generally believe the actual numbers to be higher. International news organizations have faced challenges in reporting from inside Iran.
Starlink's Role and Operational Challenges
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, provides internet access via a constellation of satellites. The system functions as a mobile phone mast in space, connecting small ground dishes with built-in WiFi routers to these satellites. The service has emerged as a means for Iranians to communicate internationally and share information during the blackout.
Despite its utility, using Starlink is illegal in Iran. Iranian authorities criminalized its use, and penalties can include up to two years in prison. Users also face accusations of espionage, which can carry severe penalties. Approximately 50,000 Starlink receivers are estimated to be present in Iran, smuggled into the country. The first units were introduced in 2022 following an exemption from U.S. sanctions secured by Elon Musk. While this offers a window for communication, it is likely to assist a fraction of Iran's population.
The Iranian government has employed various countermeasures to disrupt Starlink services and identify users. These include reportedly searching for Starlink dishes on rooftops and surrounding buildings, and attempts to jam Starlink signals using what some experts describe as "military-grade" tactics. However, reports indicate that Starlink has issued firmware updates to circumvent these jamming efforts, which have primarily been effective in specific urban areas. Authorities also monitor internet traffic and use informers to identify users. Individuals reportedly conceal antenna equipment, sometimes disguising it as solar panels, and use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask their IP addresses.
Government Control and Information Strategy
The Iranian government has a documented history of digital monitoring of its citizens, employing methods such as phishing techniques to access phone data. Iran's internet access is largely confined to a domestic service. Popular Western social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram are blocked, requiring the use of VPNs for access. Despite these restrictions, Instagram is estimated to have 50 million users in Iran.
Experts suggest that the Iranian government aims to control the narrative by limiting information dissemination. Researchers note that the government "weaponizes" information by curating it, which can normalize casualties and potentially prepare the public for further escalations of violence if protests continue. The widespread use of Starlink is believed by activists to have prevented the government from fully stifling information flow, in contrast to earlier protests where communication blackouts were reportedly more effective.
International Context
The U.S. government has a history of funding VPNs and other software tools to help Iranians circumvent censorship, though funding for some of these efforts was reportedly reduced in the past. Elon Musk secured an exemption from U.S. sanctions in 2022 to allow Starlink to operate in Iran.