Internet Shutdown

Some Iranians continue to access the internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service despite a sweeping nationwide communications blackout imposed by authorities, according to multiple people inside the country.

The continued access highlights how satellite based connections are once again being used to bypass state ordered shutdowns during periods of political unrest, even as Iran intensifies a crackdown on protests.

Iran’s government has sharply restricted online access in recent days, cutting services delivered through fiber optic cables and mobile phone networks as demonstrations spread across the country. The near total blackout has left most residents unable to communicate online.

Yet …