16 hours ago
Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service activated in Iran amid tensions with Israel
Eon Musk on Saturday announced that his Starlink
satellite internet service
is now active in
Iran
, providing connectivity as the Iranian government imposed nationwide internet restrictions following escalating tensions with
Israel
.
On Friday, Iran's communications ministry announced that "temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country's internet" in response to Israel's wave of attacks on military and nuclear facilities.
The ministry added that the curbs will be in place until normalcy returns, effectively cutting off millions from digital communication.
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In response,
Elon Musk
took to X saying, "The beams are on," confirming Starlink's activation in the country.
The satellite internet service utilises low Earth orbit satellites to provide connectivity to remote locations or where traditional communications infrastructure has been disabled.
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— elonmusk (@elonmusk)
An estimated 20,000
Starlink
terminals are believed to be operating in Iran through black market channels, according to industry analysts.
This service could prove to be a lifeline for Iranian citizens seeking to communicate and access information during the government-imposed blackout.
Starlink's cell-to-satellite communications are also functioning, expanding connectivity beyond just terminal users.
Military escalation drives communication crackdown
The internet restrictions come amid intensifying military conflict between Iran and Israel.
Israel's military said Saturday it was striking dozens of missile launchers across Iran, after Tehran fired multiple barrages in retaliation to Israeli attacks on its nuclear and military installations.
On Saturday, Israel reported two civilian deaths as a rocket struck a residential area, as both sides traded fire despite international calls for de-escalation.
Israel's air force commander described the overnight strikes in the Tehran area as carrying "operational and national significance."
The Iranian government's decision to restrict internet access is aimed at preventing potential civil unrest, echoing tactics used during previous protest movements.
However, Starlink's activation may complicate these efforts to control information flow during the ongoing military crisis.
