US EditionIranians tap Musk's Starlink to skirt internet blackout: Report
Iranian authorities use military-grade jamming to disrupt Starlink service, causing over 80% packet loss amid protests, while about 100,000 terminals operate illegally nationwide.
- On Jan 12, Reuters reported some Iranians still use Elon Musk's Starlink despite a nationwide blackout lasting over 84 hours, with connectivity near 1% after Iranian authorities launched a near-complete shutdown.
- Iranian authorities began deploying military-grade jamming systems to disrupt Starlink, while analysts said the regime likely triggered an electronic-warfare `kill switch` to block protest areas.
- IranWire reports that smuggled Starlink terminals faced about 30% initial traffic disruption rising to more than 80%, leaving patchy service across Iran.
- The blackout inflicts steep economic loss estimated at roughly $1.56 million per hour, while security forces making arrests have detained more than 200, Human Rights Activists in Iran report thousands detained.
- Given Starlink's role in Ukraine and other conflicts, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he plans to speak with Elon Musk about restoring internet in Iran, while SpaceX/Starlink did not comment on disruptions.
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98 Articles
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