Hajra Naz
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has activated Starlink satellite internet service in Iran following a sweeping nationwide blackout that left nearly 90 million people without online access.
Internet Blackout Follows Escalating Military Tensions
Tensions between Iran and Israel grew over the weekend. Both countries launched attacks on each other. In response, Iran’s government shut down internet access. The communications ministry said this was a “temporary restriction.” They claimed it was to prevent unrest and protect national security.
Iran’s ISNA news agency said the internet would return once things were calm again. But many people criticized the move. It cut off access to important services, news, and ways to communicate during a dangerous time.
Nearly 90 Million Iranians Affected
The blackout impacted almost the entire Iranian population—about 90 million people—making it one of the largest government-imposed internet shutdowns in recent history.
The effects were far-reaching:
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Banking services were disrupted.
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International businesses lost contact with clients and offices abroad.
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Emergency communication systems were impacted.
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Citizens were cut off from real-time updates on the military situation and regional developments.
The disruption also stoked fears of increased repression and censorship under the cover of conflict, especially as protests and civil unrest have been flashpoints in Iran over recent years.
Read More: Elon Musk’s Starlink Registers with SECP for Satellite Internet
Elon Musk Steps In with Starlink Activation
In response to mounting calls on social media for intervention, Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink satellite internet beams had been activated over Iran.
Responding to a user on X (formerly Twitter) who urged him to help Iranians bypass government restrictions, Musk replied,
“The beams are on,” signaling that Starlink was now providing satellite coverage to the region.
This isn’t the first time Elon Musk has used Starlink in a crisis. Starlink helped Ukraine during the Russian invasion. It was also used in Tonga after a big volcanic eruption.
In Ukraine, the terminals were sent with help from the government and aid groups. But giving Starlink to Iran is harder. Sanctions and strict government rules make it difficult to send the equipment legally.
Read More: Elon Musk Must Apologize Before Starlink Approval
What Is Starlink and Why Does It Matter?
Starlink is a satellite internet service made by SpaceX. It gives fast internet to remote and hard-to-reach places. Starlink uses satellites that orbit close to Earth. This means it doesn’t need ground cables or cell towers. It works even during blackouts or natural disasters. It can also help people in countries where the internet is censored.
Starlink enables:
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Streaming and video calling
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Access to news and global networks
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Remote work and learning
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Communication during emergencies
In authoritarian environments like Iran, this can be a powerful tool for circumventing censorship and surveillance.
Starlink Access in Iran: A Grey Market Reality
Iran officially bans Starlink internet devices. But reports say around 20,000 Starlink units are already being used in the country. These devices entered through black market channels. They are sold at high prices and installed in secret. This has raised safety concerns for users. People worry the government might punish those using Starlink.
How Much Does Starlink Cost?
According to SpaceX, Starlink plans vary in price:
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Residential plan: ~$102/month (£75)
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Business plan: Higher tiers for faster speeds and priority bandwidth
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Global Priority: Up to $2,370/month (£1,745) for high-demand, uninterrupted global access
Given Iran’s economic challenges and sanctions, access remains out of reach for most ordinary citizens unless international aid or organized support efforts facilitate hardware deployment.
Read More: Starlink Internet Packages Prices & Availability Revealed
U.S. Response and Broader Implications
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the crisis, posting on Truth Social:
“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before… However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict.”
While political leaders continue to weigh diplomatic and military options, the activation of Starlink introduces a technological dimension to the geopolitical conflict—one where access to communication becomes a new battleground.
What’s Next?
With Starlink beams now active over Iran, the next steps may include:
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Coordination with NGOs to legally deliver terminals
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Attempts by the Iranian government to block or jam satellite signals
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Increased surveillance or punishment of users caught accessing the service
Ultimately, this move by Musk marks a growing trend of tech billionaires influencing global events, especially in countries where authoritarian controls threaten open access to the internet.
