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Iran's prolonged internet shutdown fuels clandestine Starlink trade
An Iranian man identified only as Sahand tells the BBC he is part of a covert network smuggling satellite internet terminals into Iran, defying government bans and harsh penalties. The country has been under one of the world's longest-running national internet blackouts since late February, following airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel.
Blackout enters third month as regime cites security concerns
The current shutdown began on 28 February, though internet access had only been partially restored for a month after a previous blackout in January. That earlier disruption coincided with a violent crackdown on nationwide protests, during which the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported over 6,500 deaths and 53,000 arrests.
Iranian officials claim the blackout is necessary to prevent surveillance, espionage, and cyberattacks amid regional tensions. However, digital rights advocates argue it is a tool to suppress dissent and control information.
Starlink terminals offer lifeline but carry severe risks
Sahand and his network smuggle Starlink terminals-flat, white devices that connect to SpaceX's satellite network-into Iran. These terminals bypass the country's heavily restricted domestic internet, allowing users to access the global web. Each device can support multiple connections simultaneously.
Since January, Sahand says he has sent around a dozen terminals into Iran and is actively seeking new smuggling routes. A human rights group estimated in January that at least 50,000 Starlink terminals were already in the country, though activists believe the number has since risen. SpaceX did not respond to the BBC's request for comment.
Iran criminalized the use, sale, or distribution of Starlink devices last year. Possession can result in up to two years in prison, while importing or distributing more than 10 terminals carries a potential 10-year sentence. State media has reported multiple arrests, including four individuals-two of them foreign nationals-detained last month for allegedly importing satellite equipment. Some cases also involve accusations of illegal weapons possession or espionage.
Underground market thrives despite crackdown
Despite the risks, demand for Starlink terminals remains high. A Persian-language Telegram channel called NasNet has sold approximately 5,000 devices over the past two and a half years, according to a volunteer involved with the channel. Digital rights groups estimate at least 100 people have been arrested for possessing the terminals.
Yasmin, an American-Iranian whose identity has been protected, told the BBC that a male relative in Iran was arrested and accused of espionage for owning a Starlink terminal. The Iranian embassy in London did not respond to the BBC's inquiries about the government's internet restrictions or the severity of penalties for Starlink use.
Economic and human costs of the blackout
The shutdown has inflicted heavy economic damage. A government minister acknowledged in January that each day of the blackout costs Iran at least 50 trillion rials ($35 million; £28 million). In response, authorities recently launched "Internet Pro," a scheme granting limited global internet access to select businesses.
"The intention is to maintain business connectivity during the crisis," government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said. She added that the government opposes "communication injustice" and pledged to restore normal internet access once the situation stabilizes.
Digital rights advocates warn of global trend
Marwa Fatafta, regional policy and advocacy director at Access Now, condemned the blackout as a "clear violation of human rights" ahead of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May. She noted that internet shutdowns are becoming a "new norm," with 313 recorded across 52 countries in 2025-the highest number since tracking began in 2016.
Roya Boroumand, executive director of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre for Human Rights, warned that the information vacuum allows the Iranian state to control narratives, portraying protesters as "violent actors or foreign agents" while silencing victims and independent sources.
Smugglers driven by urgency to expose regime violence
Sahand and his network fund their operations through donations from Iranians abroad and other supporters, with no state backing. They prioritize distributing terminals to individuals who can share on-the-ground information internationally.
"People need internet to share what's happening," Sahand said. "We believe these terminals should be in the hands of those who really need it to make change."
He acknowledged the risks but emphasized the stakes: "The Iranian regime has proven that during a shutdown, they can kill. It's crucial for Iranians to portray the real situation."
Despite the dangers, Sahand said volunteers are aware of the risks but feel compelled to act. "It's a fight," he said. "We feel we have to intervene and help."
