Access to Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has become free in Iran, CNN reports.
Outlet reports that the move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to the internet amid ongoing restrictions and disruptions inside the country. Starlink’s satellite-based system allows users to connect to the internet independently of local telecommunications infrastructure, making it difficult for authorities to block or censor access.
Internet shutdowns and severe limitations on online platforms are frequently imposed in Iran during periods of political tension, protests, or unrest. In recent days, users inside the country have again reported widespread connectivity issues, prompting renewed international attention to alternative communication channels.
Starlink has previously been activated in Iran following similar disruptions, with Elon Musk publicly stating that the service would be made available to support free access to information. While the service itself is now reportedly free, access still depends on the availability of Starlink equipment, which remains restricted and difficult to obtain inside the country due to sanctions and regulatory barriers.
CNN notes that satellite internet services like Starlink have increasingly become a critical tool for maintaining communication in countries where governments impose strict controls on digital connectivity.
Image: Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran on Friday. MAHSA/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images
