Starlink Reportedly Free in Iran Amid Protests

Starlink has reportedly waived subscription fees for users in Iran, after authorities shut down the internet amid a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests.

The move, which has not yet been officially confirmed, came after Iran cut off internet access last Thursday, isolating millions of people from communication, livelihoods, and independent information. Since then, satellite internet has become a crucial lifeline for some Iranians seeking to communicate with the outside world.

Reports of free access

Two people inside Iran told BBC Persian that their Starlink connections continued to function despite unpaid subscriptions. In addition, the director of an organisation that helps Iranians access the internet confirmed that the service had been made free.

Starlink, owned by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet through small ground terminals connected to a constellation of satellites. Although the service is illegal in Iran, tens of thousands reportedly use it.

The BBC has contacted SpaceX for confirmation but has not yet received a response.

Severe risks for users

Despite its growing importance, using Starlink in Iran carries serious risks. Authorities can sentence users to up to two years in prison. Security forces have reportedly intensified searches for satellite dishes, particularly in areas where protest footage has emerged.

“They’re checking rooftops and surrounding buildings,” said Parsa, a pseudonym used by an Iranian speaking to BBC Persian via Starlink. “People need to be extremely cautious.”

Although the technology functions like a mobile phone mast in space, the cost of the equipment remains prohibitive for many Iranians. However, removing subscription fees could expand access, increasing both connectivity and exposure to risk.

Government justification and criticism

Iranian officials say they cut internet access to counter what they describe as foreign-backed violence. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said authorities acted after detecting what he called “terrorist operations.”

State-affiliated media also claimed that platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp were used to organise unrest. However, human rights groups have condemned the shutdown as a violation of fundamental rights.

A spokesperson for the UN human rights office said the blackout obstructs efforts to document abuses and verify information.

Impact on information flow

The internet shutdown has made it difficult to confirm the true scale of violence. One human rights group has documented more than 2,400 protester deaths and nearly 150 security personnel fatalities, though observers believe the actual toll is higher.

According to the human rights organisation Witness, at least 50,000 people now rely on Starlink for internet access in Iran. Mahsa Alimardani, the group’s associate director for technology, said authorities have tried to jam Starlink signals without success and have instead turned to physical confiscations.

Nevertheless, only a small number of users take the risk of sharing information. Some travel long distances to border areas to transmit footage using foreign mobile networks.

Controlling the narrative

Experts say the Iranian government aims to manage public perception by limiting information flows. Ana Diamond, a researcher at the Oxford Disinformation and Extremism Lab, said authorities curate information to normalise casualties and weaken resistance.

Despite the danger, Starlink remains essential for many Iranians documenting events inside the country. “It’s frightening,” Parsa said, “but people feel they have no other way to be heard.”

Iranian intelligence forces said on Tuesday they had seized a large shipment of Starlink kits, alleging espionage. However, multiple sources told BBC Persian that civilians widely use the devices to communicate without censorship.