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Clandestine Starlink smuggling network seeks to bypass Iran's internet blackout
The article outlines a covert network that smuggles Starlink terminals into Iran to bypass the national internet blackout. It also notes legal penalties, past Starlink activations, and ongoing arrests related to satellite equipment, set against a broader pattern of information control.
Why It Matters
The piece illustrates how external satellite technology can challenge state censorship during digital crackdowns, impacting information flow and human rights concerns inside Iran.
Timeline
6 Events
April 2026: arrests for importing Starlink equipment
April 2026
State-affiliated media reported multiple arrests for 'importing satellite internet equipment' connected to Starlink terminals, including four people (two foreign nationals) in April 2026.
February 28, 2026: US-Israel airstrikes trigger blackout
February 28, 2026
The current internet blackout began after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on February 28, 2026.
January 2026: prior shutdown and cost of blackout
January 2026
Before the February blackout, internet access had been partially restored for just a month following a digital shutdown in January 2026 during nationwide protests. A government minister said in January that every day of internet blackout cost the economy at least 50 trillion rials.
2025: Access Now reports 313 internet shutdowns in 2025
2025
According to Access Now, there were 313 internet shutdowns across 52 countries in 2025, the highest number globally since tracking began in 2016.
2025: Iran passes legislation criminalizing Starlink use and trade
2025
Last year, the Iranian government passed legislation that made using, buying or selling Starlink devices punishable by up to two years in prison.
2022: Musk activates Starlink in Iran amid internet disruptions
2022
In 2022, Elon Musk said he was activating Starlink in Iran following severe internet disruptions during protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini.