Tehran, Iran, 13 January (H.S.):

Iranians circumvent a government-imposed internet blackout—now exceeding 84 hours—by utilizing Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network, enabling protesters to maintain communications during a lethal crackdown that has claimed hundreds of lives since Thursday.

Three individuals within Iran confirmed to Reuters that Starlink remains operational in select areas, particularly border towns, despite official bans and potential jamming attempts overpowering terminal signals from low-Earth orbit satellites. NetBlocks founder Alp Toker noted patchy but persistent access, underscoring the service's role as a vital lifeline in geopolitical hotspots from Ukraine to Sudan.

Technical Edge Over State Controls

Unlike fiber-optic and cellular networks severed by authorities, Starlink beams connectivity directly from thousands of satellites, rendering it resilient to terrestrial shutdowns though vulnerable to targeted interference. Standard terminals, priced at around $599 plus monthly fees, prove cost-prohibitive for many in Iran's 92-million population, yet dozens in western regions reportedly sustain usage.

Musk affirmed beams activation last June post-Iran-Israel clashes, despite parliament's subsequent penalties for possession; earlier X posts cited nearly 100 active units by late 2022, highlighting gradual penetration.

Trump's Intervention and Global Precedent

US President Donald Trump announced Sunday plans to consult Musk on restoring Iranian internet access, aligning with his threats of military action if Tehran escalates protester killings, without explicitly naming Starlink. The technology's wartime utility echoes Ukraine's 2022 reliance—where free terminals bolstered defenses—and Myanmar's junta blackouts aiding rebels, though Musk's 2022 Crimea service denial illustrated its geopolitical leverage.

Iran's state media blames terrorists for unrest, blaming foreign meddling as rights groups tally over 10,000 arrests alongside verified fatalities.

Escalating Stakes in Communication Warfare

This digital defiance amplifies protests sparked by economic woes into a profound regime challenge, with SpaceX's unresponsiveness to queries fueling speculation on service continuity. Tehran vows retaliation against US assets if attacked, while Starlink users risk severe reprisals under anti-technology laws.

As global calls mount for accountability—including EU sanctions—the satellite workaround not only sustains dissent but spotlights Musk's outsized sway in modern conflicts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar