Starlink Still Operating in Parts of Iran Despite Nationwide Internet Blackout
Despite a near-total internet shutdown across Iran, some residents are continuing to access Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, providing a crucial communications lifeline amid ongoing anti-government protests and an intensified state crackdown. The development marks yet another instance of Starlink being used to circumvent censorship and government-imposed blackouts in politically sensitive regions.
Starlink’s Signal Persists Amid Crackdown
Iranian authorities recently imposed one of the most extensive internet blackouts since protests began, effectively cutting off nearly all online and mobile communications. The move follows days of violent unrest and a widespread government response that has left numerous casualties.
However, Starlink, operated by SpaceX, continues to function in limited areas. The system bypasses terrestrial infrastructure by connecting directly to satellites in low-Earth orbit. Though officially banned by Iranian authorities, several terminals remain active in the country.
“The kit is there. Some of the equipment is in the hands of activists and journalists, but a lot more of it is in the hands of those who work more closely with the government,” said Alp Toker, founder of internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks, in comments to Reuters. “So there is a bit of a mix in terms of who it’s available to.”
Toker noted that traditional internet connectivity in Iran has plummeted to around one percent of normal levels since the blackout began on 8 January, based on fixed-line and mobile data tracked by NetBlocks.
Reports of Satellite Signal Jamming
While Starlink remains partially functional, its service in Iran appears to be under targeted interference. According to Toker, the Iranian government has begun using jamming technologies capable of disrupting satellite signals, a capability that had not been observed before in the country.
“We have seen and identified that there is jamming of satellite connectivity in Iran,” Toker explained. “There’s a good chance the jamming technology has been shared with the Iranian regime by Russia.”
Neither SpaceX nor Iranian authorities responded to requests for comment. Attempts to reach officials were unsuccessful amid widespread phone and internet outages. Iranian state media have blamed the ongoing protests on “terrorists” and vowed to maintain the country’s political order.
Starlink’s Growing Role in Global Crises
The situation in Iran underscores Starlink’s expanding role in geopolitical crises. From Ukraine to parts of Africa, the satellite network has become a critical communications tool for civilians and journalists during government blackouts or armed conflicts.
Toker cautioned, however, that current technology limits what satellite systems can do. Next-generation satellites capable of transmitting signals directly to mobile phones are still under development and not yet operational.
“When it comes to potential operations in the country, that’s going to be a military operation, not a digital one,” Toker said. “There isn’t a cyber solution that can meaningfully restore service—because the government could simply pull the plug again.”
with inputs from Reuters
