Thursday, January 15, 2026- Amid one of the harshest internet shutdowns in recent Iranian history, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has made its Starlink satellite internet service free for users in Iran. The move comes as the Iranian government continues its crackdown on anti-government protests and has severely restricted traditional internet access nationwide.
Previously inactive Starlink accounts in the country have reportedly been activated and subscription fees waived, allowing those with satellite hardware to connect without ongoing costs.
The free service provides a critical lifeline for Iranians attempting to communicate with the outside world while state-controlled networks remain largely inaccessible. Although the service is illegal under Iranian law, thousands of Starlink terminals are believed to have been smuggled into the country over recent years, enabling users to bypass censorship and government-imposed blackouts.
With land-based internet disrupted, satellite connectivity has allowed activists and civilians to share information and footage, despite ongoing efforts by authorities to jam or interfere with the signal.
Even with the subscription fees removed, access remains limited by the availability of Starlink terminals and the risks faced by users. Possessing unlicensed satellite equipment can result in severe penalties, and enforcement efforts have intensified.
The development highlights the growing role of satellite internet in challenging state control over information, as digital access becomes an increasingly central battleground during political unrest.
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