Iran has taken a drastic step by blocking Starlink for the first time, signaling a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to control the flow of information amidst ongoing anti-government protests. According to a report by Forbes, Iran has deployed military-grade jamming technology to disrupt Starlink satellite internet access, resulting in a nationwide digital blackout. This marks the first known instance of authorities actively targeting satellite-based connectivity, which has become a crucial lifeline for protesters and activists.
Despite the illegal possession of tens of thousands of Starlink terminals in Iran, reports indicate that the blackout has extended to satellite connections as well. Initial disruptions affected around 30% of Starlink’s uplink and downlink traffic, escalating to over 80% within hours. The Times of Israel highlighted that Starlink usage in Iran is more widespread than in previous crackdowns, but efforts to disrupt GPS signals crucial for connecting to satellites have led to localized shutdowns, creating a patchwork of connectivity across the country.
Internet monitoring groups have described the situation as unprecedented, with national connectivity dropping to just 1% of normal levels. Analysts estimate that Iran is losing approximately $1.56 million per hour in economic losses due to the shutdown. The international community has taken notice, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing intentions to speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet access in Iran. Starlink has a history of providing critical connectivity during crises, such as in Ukraine and Venezuela, as well as in natural disaster-hit regions worldwide.
As Iran tightens its grip on both terrestrial and satellite internet access, the incident underscores the central role that Starlink plays in modern information warfare and the lengths to which governments may go to shut it down. The move highlights the importance of satellite-based connectivity in providing essential communication channels in times of crisis.