Iran has expanded its ongoing digital blackout to target satellite internet, deploying military jammers to disrupt Starlink access. According to Iran Wire, “Despite tens of thousands of Starlink units operating in Iran, the blackout now affects satellite connections as well.” Initially, about 30% of Starlink’s uplink and downlink traffic was disrupted, rising to over 80% within hours.
Starlink receivers depend on GPS signals to connect to satellites. The Times reported that “since its 12-day war with Israel last June, Iran has been interfering with GPS signals,” creating a patchy network with near-blackouts in many areas. Amir Rashidi of the Miaan Group told TechRadar, “I have monitored internet access for 20 years, and I have never seen anything like this.” Analysis of Starlink data packets confirms that satellite connections have been severely impacted.
Simon Migliano, who authored a report on recent internet shutdowns, called Iran’s nationwide blackout “a blunt instrument intended to crush dissent.” The blackout also carries a significant financial cost, estimated at $1.56 million per hour.
