NewsGlobalIran Deploys Military Jammers to Disrupt Starlink Internet During Nationwide Economic ProtestsIran Deploys Military Jammers to Disrupt Starlink Internet During Nationwide Economic Protests
Iran has deployed military jammers to disrupt Starlink satellite internet service during nationwide protests over economic crisis, affecting over 80% of Starlink traffic after initially cutting traditional internet for three days. The protests, spanning all 31 provinces, have resulted in over 500 deaths and 10,600 arrests as authorities restrict multiple communication channels. The demonstrations were triggered by soaring inflation, currency devaluation, and economic hardship caused by US sanctions on Iran.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Iran has escalated its internet censorship tactics by deploying military jammers to disrupt Starlink satellite internet service as nationwide anti-government protests over economic hardship continue into their third week. The demonstrations, sparked by rising prices and deepening economic crisis, have now spread across all 31 provinces of the country.
Internet Disruption Strategy
Iran's approach to controlling communication during the protests has evolved in stages. Initially, authorities cut off internet access delivered through traditional cables and mobile networks, maintaining this blackout for over three and a half days. As protests intensified, the government shifted focus to targeting Starlink services, which many protesters had adopted as an alternative communication method to bypass government controls.
| Disruption Method: | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Phase: | Cable and mobile internet cut for 3.5+ days |
| Current Phase: | Military jammers targeting Starlink satellites |
| Starlink Impact: | 30% initial disruption, rising to 80%+ |
| Equipment Source: | Likely supplied by Russia or China |
Technical Challenges and Vulnerabilities
Starlink operates through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites positioned approximately 550 kilometers above ground terminals. The system relies on GPS signals to determine ground station locations and maintain satellite connections. Iran's jamming strategy exploits this dependency by interfering with GPS signals or jamming signals near terminals, effectively disrupting service.
The satellite internet system's design presents inherent vulnerabilities to ground-level interference. Starlink antennas receive signals from wide angles to track moving satellites, making them susceptible to jamming from ground-based equipment. According to specialists cited by The Times of Israel, the disruption likely results from jamming Starlink terminals that overpowers their ability to receive satellite signals.
Historical Context and Escalation
Iran has consistently employed internet shutdowns as a protest control mechanism. The country previously blocked internet access during demonstrations in 2019, 2022, and during the July Iran-Israel conflict. However, the current crackdown represents a technological advancement in censorship capabilities.
Alp Toker, a London-based technology expert, noted the evolution of Iran's internet control methods: "The technology is advancing. A process that was quite manual in 2019 with the step-by-step disconnection of networks has now been automated."
Protest Impact and Government Response
The ongoing demonstrations have resulted in significant casualties and arrests. More than 500 people have been killed and over 10,600 individuals arrested during the protests. Beyond internet restrictions, Iranian authorities have also limited phone calls and landline connections to further restrict communication.
Arina Moradi from the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights explained the government's strategy: "We have seen in the past that whenever they shut down internet, it's because they want to use, as much as possible, their violence and their method of controlling people using violence."
Economic Crisis Catalyst
The protests originated from widespread frustration over Iran's deteriorating economic conditions. Demonstrators have taken to the streets to protest soaring inflation, a falling currency, and broader economic crises stemming from crippling US sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic. The economic hardship has created the underlying conditions that sparked the current wave of nationwide unrest.
16
