US tech billionaire Elon Musk has activated Starlink in Iran after a widespread blackout.
Over the weekend, Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other while President Donald Trump said the conflict could be 'easily' ended.
"If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict."
Why did Iran lose internet access?
Iran's communications ministry imposed nationwide internet restrictions on Friday following a series of Israeli military strikes targeting the country's nuclear and military installations. Israel's military reported striking dozens of missile launchers across Iran after Tehran fired multiple barrages in retaliation for the initial Israeli attacks.
"Temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country's internet," the ministry stated, as per the ISNA news agency.
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The internet restrictions in Iran were described as a temporary measure that would be lifted 'once normalcy returns' but was implemented to prevent potential 'civil unrest' during the ongoing military crisis.
How many people were affected by the blackout?
An estimated 90 million Iranian citizens found themselves suddenly disconnected from global communications networks following the government-imposed restrictions. This has been recorded as one of the most major communication breakdowns we've seen in recent years, impacting nearly everyone in the country.
As a result, Iranian citizens lost access to banking services, emergency communications, international business operations, and vital news updates.
How did Elon Musk respond to the crisis?
Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced that his Starlink satellite communications system had been activated in Iran in response to the nationwide internet blackout. In response to a post on X urging Musk to put the 'final nail in the coffin' in the Iranian regime, the Tesla CEO responded with 'the beams are on,' confirming Starlink's activation in the country.
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The satellite service could prove to be a lifeline for Iranian citizens seeking to communicate and access information during the blackout. However, Starlink's activation may complicate these efforts to control information flow during the ongoing military crisis.
What is Starlink?
Operated by SpaceX, Starlink provides high-speed internet access to users in remote and rural areas where traditional communications infrastructure cannot reach or has been disabled.
According to Starlink's official website: "Streaming, video calls, online gaming, remote working and more are now possible in even the most remote locations thanks to the world’s most advanced internet system." Moreover, the system can bypass ground-based internet infrastructure, making it valuable during enforced communication blackouts.
How much does Starlink cost?
As explained on its website, Starlink offers several different packages ranging from £75 ($102) per month for the standard residential package up to £1,745 ($2,370) per month for 'global priority' membership.
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Industry analysts estimate that approximately 20,000 Starlink terminals are already operating in Iran through black market channels.