Smuggling Ring Funnels Starlink Internet Technology As Digital Darkness Continues In Iran

Last Updated:May 03, 2026, 17:30 IST

Iran satellite internet smugglers use Starlink to bypass months-long blackout amid US Israel strikes, risking harsh prison terms due to the ban.

As the digital darkness continues in Iran for over two months, a network has emerged that is smuggling satellite internet technology.

The current internet blackout started after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on February 28. Before this, the government had partially restored internet access for just a month following a previous digital shutdown in January, which was imposed during a crackdown on nationwide protests.

BBC quoted Sahand, whose name was changed, saying that he was part of a clandestine network smuggling satellite internet technology. He said the Starlink devices that he sends are one of the most reliable ways to bypass the shutdown.

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According to BBC, the white, flat terminals, paired with routers, provide internet access by connecting to a network of satellites owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, allowing users to completely bypass Iran’s heavily controlled domestic internet.

“If even one extra person is able to access the internet, I think it’s successful and it’s worth it. If I was identified by the Iranian regime, they might make those I’m in touch with in Iran pay the price," he said.

Sahand said he and others in their network buy the terminal and “smuggle them through the borders" in a “very complex operation".

Several people can connect to each terminal at the same time, he said.

BBC quoted him saying that he has sent a dozen to Iran since January and “we are actively looking for other ways to smuggle in more".

Witness, a human rights organisation, stated that in January there were at least 50,000 Starlink terminals in Iran.

This comes despite the ban by the Iranian government on using, buying or selling Starlink devices and those found guilty would face punishment of up to two years in prison. The jail term for distributing or importing more than 10 devices can be up to 10 years.

BBC cited state-affiliated media reporting that multiple cases of people being arrested for selling and buying Starlink terminals, including four people – two of them foreign nationals – arrested last month for “importing satellite internet equipment".

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