Activists urge US to authorize satellite internet amid Iran blackout

Iranian activists are lobbying the Trump administration to allow US satellite and communications companies to activate direct-to-cell internet service over Iran, offering a potential lifeline amid the country’s ongoing communications blackout. The service allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellites in space, bypassing state-controlled telecommunications infrastructure, ABC News reports.

The appeal comes as Iran endures its twelfth day of near-total internet shutdown following nationwide anti-government protests, which began in late December over rising inflation and the falling national currency. The demonstrations quickly spread and became explicitly anti-government. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), at least 4,000 people have died since December 28, including nearly 3,800 protesters, though the true toll is expected to be higher.

“Iran’s internet blackout has created an information vacuum, making it extremely difficult to verify the regime’s unprecedented crackdown,” said Amir Rashidi, director of internet security and digital rights at the US-based Miaan Group. “Direct-to-cell service bypasses local infrastructure and is highly secure. The delay in implementation is entirely bureaucratic and depends on political will.”

Activists on the ground have relied on SpaceX’s Starlink terminals, which connect directly to satellites, to transmit images of protests abroad. Nariman Gharib, an opposition cyber expert, noted the devices are limited in number and expensive, with authorities reportedly targeting households suspected of possessing them.

“The direct-to-cell service is technically feasible,” said Rashidi. “But implementation requires US political willingness, regulatory approval from the FCC, and alignment with Treasury sanctions policies.” Gharib added that around 20% of Iranians could access the service with compatible smartphones, such as Samsung Galaxy A32, A51, and A54 models, without additional hardware.

President Trump has expressed support for protesters, telling them via social media to “keep protesting” and assuring them that “help is on its way,” while declining military action after Iran canceled over 800 scheduled executions.

“The Iranian people’s access to information and freedom of speech is of great significance,” Gharib emphasized. “Being cut off from the internet leaves them feeling helpless and silenced.” NetBlocks reported connectivity remains at roughly 2% of ordinary levels, with intermittent partial access, signaling the regime may be developing a “whitelist” of users for permanent restricted internet access.

By Vafa Guliyeva