Starlink in Iran: Digital Revolution or Sovereignty Violation?
WANA (Feb 03) – Due to government filtering, the restrictions and bans on access to certain apps and websites, such as YouTube, Telegram, and Instagram, have frustrated many Iranians.
As a result, many users have turned to purchasing VPNs to bypass these limitations. However, the demand for unrestricted access and the desire to use the latest technologies at higher speeds have drawn attention to Starlink satellite internet as a solution beyond VPNs.
Although Starlink faces serious restrictions in entering Iran, Iranian users have circumvented these barriers by purchasing its equipment illegally (the ones that have been smuggled) at high dollar-based prices.
The Shadow Economy of VPNs in Iran
WANA (Jan 05) – In recent years, extensive internet filtering in Iran has profoundly altered not only user behavior but also the information technology market. One of the most significant outcomes of these policies has been the explosive growth of the VPN market and unprecedented profits for sellers of these tools, with far-reaching economic, social, […]
Reports indicate that more than 30,000 Iranians are currently using this service. Over the past two years, the number of Starlink users in Iran has seen a sharp rise, with many willing to pay hefty costs due to the high speed and unrestricted nature of this technology.
Despite the challenges of importing Starlink equipment, the high costs, and the geographical difficulties of connecting to this network, these obstacles have not deterred Iranian users. On the contrary, they are willing to endure greater expenses and efforts to gain access to high-speed, unrestricted internet.
Pricing and Accessibility
According to data from the Internet and Infrastructure Commission of the E-Commerce Association, the use of Starlink Internet in Iran has increased 20-fold, with over 30,000 unique users benefiting from this technology. A report by Forbes in December 2023 also indicated that the number of Iranian users had exceeded 20,000 at the time.
Forbes reports about Iran’s Starlink users’ population growth. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Currently, Starlink equipment, which costs around $250 in other countries, is being sold in Iran at significantly higher prices—ranging between $700 and $2,000—due to sanctions and import restrictions. Meanwhile, the monthly subscription fee for the service varies between $50 and $75.
Main Users of Starlink Internet in Iran
Field research indicates that technology companies, large residential complexes, and commercial malls are among the primary customers of Starlink Internet in Iran. The mini version of the equipment, which is easy to transport, is also available in the country. Additionally, it has been recently announced that a trial version of satellite internet for mobile devices will soon be activated.
Features and Pricing of Equipment
One online seller of Starlink equipment has stated that the third-generation device and its mini model are being offered to users for $1,800, with a monthly subscription fee of $74. This device supports simultaneous connections for up to 128 users, and payments can be made in cash (USD) or via Tether (USDT).
Another seller has listed the fourth-generation Starlink device at $1,300 and its mini version at $1,450. He also emphasized that Starlink is one of the world’s simplest and fastest internet services, requiring no complex setup and being usable anywhere.
Usability in Iran
According to experts, it was previously impossible to use Starlink equipment in a country other than where it was purchased. However, new subscription plans now allow users to access this technology across different countries. In Iran, most devices are sourced from the Philippines, as their subscriptions can be modified for use outside the original purchase location.
Iran’s Stance on Starlink
During the events of 2022 and the death of Mahsa Amini, Iran restricted public access to the internet to control the ensuing unrest. At that time, Elon Musk, the owner of Starlink, stated in a tweet that Iran would soon be covered by Starlink satellites.
Following this, a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. Congress sent a letter to the Treasury Secretary, urging immediate approval of any request from Elon Musk to provide Starlink satellite internet to Iran. On September 23 of that year, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it had issued a license to expand internet services for Iranians.
Former Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, in response to the potential widespread access of Iranians to Starlink satellite internet—particularly during the Mahsa Amini protests—accused the United States of “violating Iran’s sovereignty” and warned that “this action will not go unanswered.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Naser Kanaani speaks in his weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran, on March 13, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
He also criticized what he called the “interventionist” statements of American and European officials during the protests, accusing their governments of “direct collaboration” with Persian-language media outlets.
Three months after his initial tweet announcing plans to activate Starlink’s satellite internet service in Iran, Elon Musk stated that the company now had nearly 100 active Starlink units operating in the country. International media widely covered this development as a tool supporting communication among protesters in Iran.
Isa Zarepour, former Iranian Minister of Communications, also referred to Iran’s correspondence with satellite operators in December 2022, stating: “According to international law, any operator wishing to provide services in the territorial domain of a country must adhere to that country’s landing rights. We have informed all satellite operators, including Starlink and OneWeb, of these regulations. If they accept these terms, we will welcome them.”
In his first comment regarding the reaction of Iranian officials to the activation of satellite internet in Iran, Elon Musk said: “I received a very polite letter from Iranian officials.” Musk made these remarks during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and, with a hint of sarcasm, he added to Netanyahu: “I was surprised that the letter didn’t say ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel.’” In response, Netanyahu told Musk: “Don’t be fooled by a polite letter from Iranian officials.”
Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s current Minister of Communications and Information Technology, has stated in several recent interviews that there are no restrictions on the use of modern technologies.
He commented regarding the reported number of Starlink users in Iran: “The figures being reported for Starlink users in Iran are speculative. However, what we have repeatedly discussed in the Ministry of Communications and the government is that we will definitely take advantage of modern technologies, but within the framework of international laws. These laws require that territorial rights be recognized in this matter.”
Iran’s Communication Minister says welcomes Starlink in the country
WANA – Minister of Communication and Information Technology of Iran Isa Zare’pour said that the government welcomes satellite internet such as Starlink, but they must accept the Islamic Republic of Iran’s rules. Zare’pour who was speaking to media on the sidelines of a cabinet session on Wednesday, added: “There are 3,000 villages in Iran […]
