Amid widespread internet shutdowns in Iran, satellite internet service Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, has been made available free of charge for the country, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as Iranian authorities have imposed sweeping connectivity restrictions during nationwide protests. SpaceX has not issued an official public statement, but individuals close to the company confirmed that the service was activated despite existing legal barriers.
Accessing Starlink requires specialized antennas and receivers, which are officially banned in Iran. Nevertheless, such devices have continued to enter the country through unofficial channels over recent years. Earlier estimates suggested that around 20,000 Starlink terminals might already be present inside Iran. However, organizations working to expand internet access now believe the figure could be significantly higher.
The group Holistic Resilience, which focuses on digital connectivity in Iran, estimates that more than 50,000 devices may currently be in use. Unlike conventional networks, Starlink terminals connect directly to low-Earth-orbit satellites, making them less dependent on state-controlled infrastructure. That said, media reports indicate that Iranian authorities have managed to partially disrupt Starlink signals in certain areas, limiting its effectiveness. The government-imposed internet restrictions have had a tangible impact on daily life. Many workers and businesses report being unable to communicate with clients or access essential online services.
While major international platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Telegram remain blocked, users retain limited access to a national internet network with heavily filtered content. Some domestic services, including ride-hailing apps, delivery platforms, and online banking, continue to function within this restricted system. International phone connections were partially restored, though only for outbound calls, and with inconsistent quality marked by frequent interruptions.
Starlink has played a crucial role in other conflict and crisis zones. In Ukraine, the system proved vital during the early stages of the war, after conventional telecommunications infrastructure was severely damaged. Over time, its deployment there became governed by formal agreements with the Pentagon, reducing direct control by the company itself. In previous instances, Elon Musk has acknowledged making decisions regarding Starlink’s operational boundaries in sensitive regions.
According to his biographer, Musk declined requests to enable the service in certain strategic areas near Crimea, citing concerns over potential military escalation. These precedents highlight the complex intersection of technology, geopolitics, and security surrounding the use of satellite internet.
