A clandestine network is actively smuggling Starlink satellite internet technology into Iran to circumvent a prolonged government-imposed internet blackout, a situation that began following US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28th. The operation, described as complex and risky by participants like ‘Sahand,’ whose name has been changed for his safety, aims to restore internet access for Iranians who are otherwise reliant on state-controlled media and limited domestic networks. The smuggling network is funded by Iranians abroad and others seeking to provide a lifeline for information dissemination within the country.
Context of Iran’s Internet Blackouts
Iran has a history of controlling information flow, frequently imposing internet shutdowns during periods of unrest. The current blackout, which has lasted over two months, follows a previous shutdown in January imposed during nationwide protests. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), these protests resulted in over 6,500 deaths and 53,000 arrests. Officials cite security concerns, including preventing surveillance and cyber-attacks, as the reason for these digital restrictions.
The government maintains a ‘tiered system’ for internet access. All citizens have access to a state-controlled domestic network for essential services like banking and state media. Access to the global internet, which previously allowed access to platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and YouTube, was restricted and more expensive. Many Iranians used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass these limitations, but these also added to the cost.
Starlink as a Bypass Tool
Starlink terminals, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, offer a way to bypass Iran’s domestic internet controls by connecting directly to a satellite network. These devices, consisting of flat terminals paired with routers, allow multiple users to connect simultaneously. According to Sahand, his network has sent at least a dozen terminals into Iran since January and is actively seeking more methods for smuggling. Witness, a human rights organization, estimated in January that at least 50,000 Starlink terminals were already in Iran, with activists believing this number has since increased.
Legal Repercussions and Market Demand
The Iranian government has made the use, purchase, or sale of Starlink devices illegal, with penalties ranging up to two years in prison for individuals and up to ten years for importing more than 10 devices. State-affiliated media has reported arrests for importing and possessing satellite internet equipment, sometimes alongside accusations of possessing illegal weapons or sending information to adversaries. Despite these severe penalties, a market for Starlink terminals persists within Iran. A Telegram channel called NasNet, run by volunteers outside Iran, has reportedly sold approximately 5,000 Starlink terminals in the past two and a half years.
Human Rights and Information Flow
The internet blackouts create an information vacuum that allows the state to control the narrative, often portraying protesters as foreign agents while silencing victims and evidence of repression. During the January protests, information and video evidence of extrajudicial killings and beatings managed to trickle out, much of which is believed to have originated from individuals using Starlink. Sahand emphasizes the critical need for internet access to ‘portray the real picture of the situation on the ground,’ especially given that during shutdowns, ‘the Iranian regime has proven that during a shutdown, they can kill.’
Expert Perspectives and Government Response
Marwa Fatafta, regional policy and advocacy director at Access Now, a digital rights group, stated that ‘communications blackouts are a clear violation of human rights, and they can never be justified.’ She warns that internet blackouts are becoming a ‘new norm,’ with Access Now reporting 313 such incidents in 52 countries in 2025. Roya Boroumand, executive director for the Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre for Human Rights, noted that an information vacuum ‘allows the state to broadcast its narrative… while its victims… are silenced.’
The Iranian government has acknowledged the economic impact of the shutdowns, with one minister stating that each day of blackout costs the economy at least $35 million. The government recently launched a ‘Internet Pro’ scheme to provide limited global internet access to certain businesses. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani stated the intention was to ‘maintain business connectivity during the crisis’ and that the ‘situation of the Internet will also change’ once normalcy returns, while also claiming the government is ‘completely opposed to communication injustice.’
Implications and Future Trends
The ongoing efforts to smuggle Starlink devices highlight the desperate need for uncensored information within Iran. The severe penalties indicate the regime’s high level of concern regarding external communication and potential dissent. The involvement of clandestine networks, funded by diaspora communities and international supporters, underscores the global dimension of this struggle for digital freedom. As authorities increase their efforts to intercept these devices, networks like Sahand’s are advising users to employ VPNs for added security, though affordability remains a significant barrier for many.
The increasing use of Starlink and similar technologies in countries with restrictive internet policies suggests a growing cat-and-mouse game between authoritarian regimes and citizens seeking to break free from information control. The effectiveness and sustainability of these smuggling operations, alongside the Iranian government’s response and potential technological countermeasures, will be crucial to watch. The trend of increasing global internet shutdowns, as noted by Access Now, indicates that this issue of digital access and control will remain a critical concern for human rights and geopolitical stability worldwide.
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