Secret network covertly transports Starlink technology into Iran to bypass internet blackout
A secret network covertly transports Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran to help bypass the country’s ongoing internet blackout. Sahand, an Iranian man speaking to the BBC World Service under a pseudonym, explained that he and others send these terminals into Iran to enable people to access the internet and share “the real picture” of events inside the country.
The Iranian government has imposed one of the longest internet shutdowns ever recorded worldwide, lasting more than two months. This blackout began after airstrikes by the US and Israel in late February, following a previous shutdown in January during a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 6,500 protesters were killed and 53,000 arrested during that period.
How the secret network operates
Sahand described the operation as a “very complex” smuggling effort. The network purchases Starlink terminals—white, flat satellite internet devices paired with routers—and smuggles them through Iran’s borders. Each terminal can support multiple users simultaneously, providing reliable internet access by connecting to SpaceX’s satellite network, bypassing Iran’s heavily controlled domestic internet infrastructure.
Since January, Sahand says he has sent about a dozen terminals into Iran and is actively seeking ways to smuggle more. Human rights organisation Witness estimated in January that at least 50,000 Starlink terminals were already in Iran, with activists suggesting the number has since increased.
Legal risks and government response
The Iranian government has made the use, purchase, or sale of Starlink devices illegal, with penalties including up to two years in prison for possession and up to ten years for distributing or importing more than ten devices. State-affiliated media have reported multiple arrests related to Starlink equipment, including accusations of possessing illegal weapons and espionage.
Despite these risks, a market for Starlink terminals persists in Iran. A Persian-language Telegram channel called NasNet reportedly sold approximately 5,000 terminals over the past two and a half years. Sahand and others involved in smuggling advise users to employ virtual private networks (VPNs) alongside Starlink to avoid detection, although many cannot afford the additional cost amid Iran’s economic crisis.
Context of internet control and blackout in Iran
Iran maintains a “tiered” internet system. While all citizens have access to a state-controlled domestic network for services like banking and food delivery, access to the global internet is heavily restricted. Popular platforms such as Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, and WhatsApp are blocked, and the government charges higher fees for global internet access. Many Iranians use VPNs to circumvent these restrictions.
During the January protests, even with internet shutdowns, reports and videos of extrajudicial killings and arrests emerged, largely believed to have been shared via Starlink connections. The government restricts internet access primarily for security reasons, aiming to prevent surveillance, espionage, and cyber-attacks during times of unrest.
Impact and human rights concerns
The internet blackout has severely affected Iranian businesses and citizens. A government minister estimated that each day of shutdown costs the economy approximately 50 trillion rials (around $35 million). The government has introduced a scheme called “Internet Pro” to allow some businesses limited global internet access during the blackout.
Human rights groups have condemned the shutdowns as violations of fundamental rights. Marwa Fatafta, regional policy and advocacy director at Access Now, highlighted that communications blackouts are becoming increasingly common worldwide, with 313 recorded in 52 countries in 2025 alone. Roya Boroumand, executive director of the Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre for Human Rights, emphasized that the blackout allows the Iranian regime to control the narrative and silence victims, making it crucial for Iranians to access uncensored information.
Sahand and others involved in smuggling Starlink terminals stress the importance of enabling Iranians to share accurate information from inside the country. They believe that even if one additional person can access the internet, the effort is worthwhile.