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Iran Experiences Longest Internet Blackout Since Arab Spring Amid Starlink Usage
Iran has imposed a weeks-long internet blackout, the longest since the Arab Spring protests. Some Iranians are using Elon Musk's Starlink satellite service to access the internet. The blackout limits communication and information access for residents and affects international connections to the country.
Apr 9, 9:42 AM·2m read1 source
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Iran has undergone a weeks-long internet blackout, which @business reported as the longest such disruption since the Arab Spring uprisings that began in 2010. The blackout restricts access to global networks, impacting millions of users in the country. Government authorities have cited security concerns as the reason for the restrictions.
Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service has enabled some Iranians to bypass the blackout and remain connected online. Starlink operates through low-Earth orbit satellites, providing internet access in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Users in Iran have reportedly activated terminals to communicate with the outside world.
Blackout The internet restrictions in Iran started several weeks ago, coinciding with heightened domestic tensions.
Similar blackouts occurred during past protests, including those in 2019, to control information flow. This current event surpasses previous durations in length, according to @business. The Arab Spring, a series of pro-democracy protests across the Middle East and North Africa from late 2010 to 2012, saw governments in several countries impose internet shutdowns to suppress dissent.
Iran's blackout draws comparisons due to its scale and duration. International observers note that such measures isolate populations from global news and social media.
Implications Starlink, operated by SpaceX, launched in 2019 to provide broadband internet worldwide.
In Iran, where official internet speeds are limited and now further curtailed, the service offers an alternative for those with access to equipment. However, importing and using Starlink terminals remains challenging due to sanctions and local regulations. The blackout affects everyday activities, including banking, education, and family communications for Iran's population of over 85 million.
