Elon Musk's SpaceX has begun offering free Starlink satellite internet service in Iran amid a prolonged nationwide blackout and escalating deadly protests, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The decision waives subscription fees for users with Starlink receivers in the country, enabling access without payment during the ongoing crisis. Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of the US-based Holistic Resilience group, confirmed the move, while a person with knowledge of Starlink's operations also verified the free service, speaking anonymously due to its non-public nature. SpaceX did not respond to requests for comment.
The initiative comes as Iran experiences its fifth consecutive day of a complete internet shutdown, severely restricting communication for millions. NetBlocks, an internet connectivity monitoring organization, has documented the persistent blackout. Protests across the country have intensified over the past two weeks, with hundreds of thousands demanding the ouster of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Activist groups, including the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, warn that thousands may have been killed in the crackdown, though official figures remain unconfirmed.
Starlink terminals are officially banned in Iran, but many have been smuggled across borders despite significant risks. Ahmadian estimates over 50,000 units are now in circulation. Iranian authorities have actively worked to jam Starlink signals and are conducting raids to seize equipment, with state media IRIB News reporting the confiscation of a large shipment of electronic devices—including what appeared to be Starlink receivers—described as tools for “espionage and sabotage.”
Also Read: Iran’s Regime Faces Biggest Challenge as Nationwide Protests Escalate
US President Donald Trump has publicly urged Iranians to continue protesting and indicated he may coordinate with Musk to restore communications. On Sunday, aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters, “We may speak to Elon because… he’s very good at that kind of thing,” adding that he planned to call Musk directly. This follows Starlink's previous use in conflict zones, including free service for Ukrainian civilians and military since Russia's 2022 invasion, and more recently, temporary free broadband in Venezuela after the US-backed ouster of President Nicolás Maduro.
The move positions Starlink as a significant tool of soft power for both Musk and the US government in supporting access to information during authoritarian crackdowns. Amir Rashidi, director of digital rights at the Miaan Group, a human rights advocacy organization, also confirmed the free Starlink access in Iran. As the protests show no signs of abating and the death toll continues to rise according to activist reports, the provision of uncensored internet via satellite could play a pivotal role in enabling information flow and coordination among demonstrators. The situation remains highly volatile, with Iranian security forces intensifying efforts to suppress both protests and satellite connectivity.
Also Read: Iran Protests Expand Nationwide, Guards Draw “Red Line” on Security Response