Starlink Internet Reportedly Activated in Iran Amid Protest Crackdown

Starlink has reportedly activated free internet services inside Iran, activists say, as authorities restrict connectivity and protests continue with a rising reported death toll.

The Associated Press reported, citing Iran-based human rights activists in the United States, that Starlink has activated free internet services inside Iran amid ongoing nationwide unrest.

According to the report, the free Starlink service became operational on Wednesday, January 14. Activists said they were able to successfully test the service using a newly activated Starlink terminal inside the country.

“We can confirm that the free Starlink terminal subscriptions are fully functional,” the activists said, adding that the service was tested independently within Iran. Starlink has not publicly commented on the reports.

Iran’s authorities have repeatedly imposed internet shutdowns during periods of unrest, aiming to curb protests and restrict the flow of information to the outside world. Such blackouts have drawn strong criticism from rights groups and governments.

Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has previously been used in crisis and conflict zones to restore connectivity where governments restrict or disable internet access.

The report comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was in discussions with Elon Musk about providing Starlink internet services to Iran. Trump has urged protesters to continue demonstrating, saying U.S. assistance is forthcoming.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists in Iran group said the death toll from the protests has surpassed 2,500 people, underscoring the scale of the crackdown by Iranian security forces.

As unrest continues and communication remains restricted, activists say access to independent internet services could play a critical role in documenting abuses, coordinating humanitarian efforts, and keeping Iranians connected to the world.

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