WANA (Apr 13) – In a significant development, Iran has taken the initial steps toward enabling satellite internet within its borders by entering into a preliminary agreement with YahClick, a satellite internet service provider. The move marks a shift in the country’s approach to the technology, signaling openness to legal satellite internet operations under specific regulatory frameworks.

 

But has Iran actually banned satellite internet?

The answer is no. In fact, in November 2023, during the closing ceremony of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23) in Dubai, YahClick signed an agreement aligning with Iran’s territorial regulations. This agreement set the stage for the company’s lawful provision of satellite internet in the country.

 

Who Is YahClick?

YahClick is a satellite internet service operated by Yahsat, a subsidiary of the UAE government. The company provides Ka-band satellite internet through Yahsat satellites in over 40 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. Its services cater to residential, corporate, educational, and government users and are often deployed in partnership with local entities.

 

Iran’s Regulatory Framework for Satellite Internet

Back in January 2023, Iran’s Ministry of Communications officially issued its “Landing Rights”—rules that foreign satellite internet providers must follow to operate legally in Iran. Then-communications minister Isa Zarepour stressed that these regulations were aligned with standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He noted that any satellite operator willing to comply would be welcomed in Iran.

 

In June 2023, Iran’s Communications Regulatory Authority publicly invited licensed satellite communication companies to participate in a national tender to meet the country’s growing demand.

 

Starlink and OneWeb Also Notified

Iran has not limited its regulatory efforts to YahClick. It has also formally informed Starlink and OneWeb—two other major players in the satellite internet space—of its territorial requirements and invited them to operate within the framework of Iranian law. These steps align with ITU guidelines, which emphasize the importance of national jurisdiction over satellite communications.

 

Why Then the Ban on Starlink?

Iran’s opposition is not to satellite internet as a technology, nor specifically to Starlink, but rather to unauthorized operations. Starlink and any other operator must obtain legal permission before offering services. This is standard practice globally and is essential for ensuring national security and regulatory control.

 

There is a common misconception that satellite internet is akin to freely broadcast satellite TV, accessible to anyone anywhere. In reality, satellite internet involves critical infrastructure that carries sensitive data—from financial to administrative—and must be regulated just like other communication technologies. Without proper oversight, such systems could disrupt national communication networks and pose security threats.

 

The Ukraine Precedent: A Cautionary Tale

One example often cited by Iranian authorities is Ukraine’s experience during its war with Russia. Starlink offered free internet to Ukraine, helping connect military, medical, and government institutions.

 

However, according to reports, during later negotiations over Ukraine’s rare mineral resources, the U.S. allegedly threatened to cut off Starlink access if Ukraine didn’t grant favorable terms—highlighting the geopolitical leverage such services can carry.

 

This case underscores why countries worldwide, including Iran, require licensing and regulatory agreements with satellite internet providers.

 

In Africa, Starlink has secured such permits in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique. In Latin America, it is authorized in Brazil, and in Europe, Georgia has granted it access. Negotiations are also underway in Turkey, Morocco, Bangladesh, and India.

 

Protecting Sovereignty While Embracing Connectivity

Experts believe that Iran’s dual approach—welcoming licensed satellite internet providers while asserting its regulatory rights through the ITU—is a strategic attempt to protect its territorial sovereignty over key communication infrastructure.

 

This issue, they argue, should not be viewed through the narrow lens of domestic internet filtering debates, but as part of a larger effort to ensure that Iran, like other nations, retains control over essential data flows and connectivity tools.

 

As the world grows increasingly dependent on satellite technologies, Iran’s policy reflects a pragmatic balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding national interests.