As Iran Blocks Starlink Internet for the First Time Amid Rising Tensions. anti-government protests grow stronger in Iran, the government has blocked Starlink satellite internet using military jammers. A few days ago, the authorities had already shut down regular internet services across the country. This is the first time Iran has also blocked satellite-based internet services. The government believes that cutting internet access helps stop communication between protesters and prevents unrest from spreading. Earlier, only domestic internet connections were cut. Now, the shutdown has extended to satellite links as well. Reports say that Starlink’s uplink and downlink traffic was first reduced by about 30 percent. Within a few hours, the disruption increased rapidly to more than 80 percent. According to The Times of Israel, the use of Starlink receivers in Iran is now much higher than during previous internet shutdowns. Even though the Iranian government has not approved Starlink services, many people are still using the receivers. Because of this, owning and using Starlink equipment is considered illegal in Iran.
