Iran’s Internet Blackout and the Rise of Clandestine Starlink Networks
Iran’s prolonged internet blackout, now in its third month, has prompted the emergence of clandestine networks smuggling satellite internet technology into the country. These networks, comprised of individuals like Sahand, are risking arrest and imprisonment to provide Iranians with a means of bypassing the government’s heavily controlled domestic internet. The stakes are high, with over 6,500 protesters killed and 53,000 arrested during the previous digital shutdown.
The Iranian government’s decision to shut down the internet is purportedly for security reasons, aiming to prevent surveillance, espionage, and cyber-attacks. However, this move has been met with skepticism by human rights organizations, who argue that the blackout is a means of controlling information and suppressing dissent. The government’s efforts to restrict internet access have been ongoing, with the introduction of a “tiered system” that allows select officials and individuals to access the global internet while the general population is limited to a state-controlled domestic network.
Despite the risks, Sahand and his network continue to smuggle Starlink devices into Iran, which provide internet access by connecting to a network of satellites owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company. The use of Starlink has grown significantly since its introduction in 2022, particularly during internet shutdowns. However, the Iranian government has responded by increasing penalties for possession and distribution of the devices, with prison terms of up to 10 years for importing or selling more than 10 devices.
The Economics of Internet Control in Iran
The Iranian government’s decision to restrict internet access has significant economic implications. The shutdown has hit businesses hard, with a minister estimating that every day of internet blackout costs the economy at least 50 trillion rials ($35m; £28m). In response, the government has launched a scheme called “Internet Pro,” which allows certain businesses some access to the global internet. However, this initiative is limited, and many Iranians continue to rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the global internet.
The economic costs of internet control are not limited to Iran. The global implications of internet shutdowns are significant, with 313 reported incidents across 52 countries in 2025, the highest number since tracking began in 2016. The use of VPNs and other circumvention tools has become increasingly prevalent, with many individuals and businesses seeking to bypass government restrictions.
The Iranian government’s efforts to control the internet have also had a profound impact on the country’s digital economy. The lack of access to the global internet has limited the growth of e-commerce and other digital industries, with many businesses forced to rely on the state-controlled domestic network. The emergence of clandestine Starlink networks has provided some individuals with access to the global internet, but this is a fragile and potentially short-lived solution.
Who Wins, Who Loses, and Who Gets Disrupted?
The Iranian government’s efforts to control the internet have significant implications for various stakeholders. The government itself is seeking to maintain control over the flow of information, while human rights organizations and activists are pushing for greater access to the internet. The use of Starlink and other satellite internet technologies has disrupted the traditional model of internet access, providing individuals with a means of bypassing government restrictions.
The emergence of clandestine Starlink networks has also created new opportunities for businesses and individuals seeking to access the global internet. However, this has also led to increased risks, with individuals like Sahand facing arrest and imprisonment for their involvement in the networks. The use of VPNs and other circumvention tools has become increasingly prevalent, with many individuals and businesses seeking to bypass government restrictions.
The Iranian government’s efforts to control the internet have also had a profound impact on the country’s media landscape. The lack of access to the global internet has limited the growth of independent media, with many outlets forced to rely on the state-controlled domestic network. The emergence of clandestine Starlink networks has provided some individuals with access to the global internet, but this is a fragile and potentially short-lived solution.
Steel-Manning the Skeptical Case
While the use of Starlink and other satellite internet technologies has provided individuals with a means of bypassing government restrictions, it is essential to consider the potential risks and limitations. The Iranian government’s efforts to control the internet are likely to continue, with increased penalties for possession and distribution of Starlink devices. The use of VPNs and other circumvention tools is also likely to become increasingly prevalent, with many individuals and businesses seeking to bypass government restrictions.
Moreover, the emergence of clandestine Starlink networks has created new challenges for human rights organizations and activists. The use of satellite internet technologies has disrupted the traditional model of internet access, providing individuals with a means of bypassing government restrictions. However, this has also led to increased risks, with individuals like Sahand facing arrest and imprisonment for their involvement in the networks.
What’s Next?
The next verifiable event or milestone to watch is the Iranian government’s response to the growing use of Starlink and other satellite internet technologies. The government’s efforts to control the internet are likely to continue, with increased penalties for possession and distribution of Starlink devices. The use of VPNs and other circumvention tools is also likely to become increasingly prevalent, with many individuals and businesses seeking to bypass government restrictions.
The emergence of clandestine Starlink networks has provided some individuals with access to the global internet, but this is a fragile and potentially short-lived solution. The Iranian government’s efforts to control the internet have significant implications for various stakeholders, including human rights organizations, activists, and businesses. The use of satellite internet technologies has disrupted the traditional model of internet access, providing individuals with a means of bypassing government restrictions.
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By Alex Mercer, Senior Tech Analyst at TrendFlashy
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