A clandestine network is actively smuggling Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran, circumventing a prolonged national internet shutdown imposed by the Iranian government since 28 February. The operation, spearheaded by individuals like Sahand, aims to provide uncensored internet access to citizens grappling with one of the longest digital blackouts recorded globally. This illicit trade seeks to bypass the state's stringent information controls, allowing individuals to share and receive information independently.
A Digital Lifeline Amidst Blackouts
Sahand, an Iranian man speaking to the BBC World Service from outside Iran, articulated the profound impact of his efforts, despite the considerable personal risk. His involvement in the covert network is driven by a belief in the fundamental right to information, even as he fears repercussions for his family and contacts within the country should his identity be revealed by the Iranian regime. The government's digital darkness has persisted for over two months, following earlier partial restorations in January that briefly interrupted a previous shutdown.
If even one extra person is able to access the internet, I think it's successful and it's worth it. If I was identified by the Iranian regime, they might make those I'm in touch with in Iran pay the price.
The Starlink terminals, developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX company, offer a crucial lifeline. These white, flat devices, paired with routers, establish internet connectivity by linking directly to a vast network of satellites, thereby completely bypassing Iran's heavily controlled domestic internet infrastructure. Sahand explained that multiple users can connect to a single terminal simultaneously, amplifying its reach within communities. He revealed that he has dispatched a dozen such devices since January, with the network "actively looking for other ways to smuggle in more" through "very complex operation" across borders.
Human rights organisation Witness estimated in January that approximately 50,000 Starlink terminals were already operational in Iran, a figure that activists believe has since increased significantly. The BBC sought comment from SpaceX regarding the use of its technology in Iran but received no reply. The proliferation of these devices is particularly critical given Iran's long-standing history of information control, where state-run media predominantly disseminates anti-American and anti-Israeli narratives, while restricting reporting on the regime's repressive actions against critics.
During protests in January, even amidst internet shutdowns, reports and visual evidence of extrajudicial killings, arrests, and beatings managed to emerge. Much of this critical information is widely believed by human rights organisations to have originated from individuals accessing social media platforms via Starlink. Elon Musk had notably announced the activation of Starlink services in Iran in 2022, in response to severe internet disruptions following protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian woman.
The Regime's Crackdown and Economic Impact
The Iranian government has responded with severe measures against the use of unauthorized satellite internet technology. Legislation passed last year made the possession, purchase, or sale of Starlink devices punishable by up to two years in prison. Distributing or importing more than 10 devices carries an even harsher penalty, up to 10 years in jail. State-affiliated media has reported numerous arrests related to Starlink, including four people—two of whom were foreign nationals—apprehended last month for "importing satellite internet equipment." Some arrests have also included accusations of possessing illegal weapons and transmitting information to "the enemy."
Despite these risks, a clandestine market for the terminals persists within Iran, with channels like NasNet, a public Persian-language Telegram group, facilitating sales. A volunteer associated with NasNet, based outside Iran, informed the BBC that roughly 5,000 Starlink terminals have been sold through the channel over the past two and a half years. With authorities intensifying their search for Starlink devices, networks like Sahand's are advising users to employ VPNs in conjunction with the satellite technology to maintain anonymity. However, the cost of such measures, coupled with the terminals themselves, presents a significant barrier for many Iranians, particularly amidst the country's economic crisis.
Iran's current internet architecture operates as a "tiered system," designed to control access and information flow. This system includes:
- A state-controlled domestic network, which provides access to essential services such as banking, ride-hailing, and food delivery, alongside state-run media outlets.
- Prior to the blackouts, limited access to the global internet was available, though many popular international sites and services, including Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, and WhatsApp, were blocked. Access to this global tier
