Amid the nationwide Internet shutdown in Iran by the Islamic Republic against ongoing protests in the country, an official has said that around 800 Starlink satellite internet receivers have been imported into the country, according to Iran International. The latest development comes as the regime continues tightening its grip against protesters, enacting brutal death sentences against peaceful Iranians.
According to reports, the Head of Tehran's Telecom Traders Union, Mehdi Mohebi, quoted an "official" who did not want to reveal his identity that 800 Starlink satellite internet terminals have entered the country so far. Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the use of satellite internet services in Iran has increased, and around 100 Starlink devices are active in the country now.
On Twitter, Musk said that "approaching 100 Starlinks active in Iran," three months after he activated the service in the country to help Iranians circumvent internet restrictions imposed by the government amid nationwide protests. In September, Musk announced he would activate Starlink in Iran as part of the United States’ effort "to advance internet freedom" and facilitate "the free flow of information" to Iranians.
Following the death of 22-year-old Masha Amini at the hands of the Islamic morality police in September, the regime in Tehran has severely restricted Internet access in general and access to popular social media platforms, such as Instagram, in particular, that play a key role in protesters' communications. These restrictions have caused many problems for Iranians who rely on social media to promote their businesses and has hugely damaged e-commerce.
Even with the Internet ban, photographs and video footage of Iranian protests continue to circulate outside of Iran, displaying marches in neighborhoods, streets, and cities of young and old Iranians calling for the downfall of the Islamic Republic.
In response to the protests, the Islamic Republic has shut down journalists reporting in Iran while deploying security forces, Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and Basij paramilitary forces to arrest, beat, and kill protesters.
Despite facing international condemnation and sanctions from America and the European Union (EU), the regime continues its repression.
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