Starlink Internet Remains Active in Iran Despite Nationwide Blackout

Some Iranians continue to access the internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service despite a sweeping nationwide communications blackout, highlighting how satellite internet is increasingly used to bypass government-imposed shutdowns during geopolitical crises.

According to multiple sources inside Iran speaking to Reuters, Starlink is still operational in parts of the country even as authorities have sharply restricted traditional internet access. Iran has recently intensified a crackdown on nationwide protests, which included near-total disruptions to fiber-optic networks and mobile phone services. As a result, overall non-satellite internet connectivity reportedly dropped to around 1% of normal levels.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides internet directly via thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, allowing users to bypass local infrastructure. One user in western Iran said dozens of people in his area rely on Starlink, particularly in border towns and cities where access appears more stable. Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks also confirmed receiving reports of continued, though reduced and inconsistent, Starlink connectivity across parts of Iran.

Experts suggest Iranian authorities may be attempting to interfere with Starlink through signal jamming, which can overwhelm satellite terminals and degrade service. However, the exact methods being used remain unclear. SpaceX has not publicly commented, and Iranian officials have been largely unreachable amid ongoing outages.

Starlink’s role in Iran mirrors its growing influence in global conflicts and unrest. The service has been vital for Ukrainian forces since Russia’s invasion in 2022 and has also been used in Myanmar and Sudan during prolonged internet shutdowns. While Musk previously provided free terminals to Ukraine, Starlink hardware costs roughly $599 plus monthly fees, making access difficult for many Iranians.

Although Starlink is not licensed in Iran, Musk has previously stated that the service is active there. In 2022, he confirmed that nearly 100 Starlink terminals were operating in the country. Following renewed tensions and a brief war with Israel last year, Iran’s parliament formally banned Starlink use, imposing severe penalties on users and distributors.

Despite legal risks, Starlink continues to function as a critical communication lifeline for some Iranians, underscoring the growing importance of satellite internet during internet blackouts and political unrest.