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<aside> ➡️ Examples of Satellite Internet: Starlink, Qualcomm, Project Kuiper, Viasat
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<aside> 🔷 In September 2023, in response to reports of internet censorship and disruption in Iran amid the “Women, Life, Freedom” anti-government protests, Elon Musk tweeted "Activating Starlink..." to offer SpaceX's satellite internet service as a way to provide uncensored connectivity [27]. However, experts point out numerous obstacles to making Starlink actually work in Iran. Without enough imported satellite dishes that can communicate with Starlink's orbiting satellites, Musk's plan is meaningless. The Iranian government is unlikely to allow large-scale smuggling of the required hardware or approve construction of Starlink ground stations within its borders.
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With the satellite internet industry booming, especially since the launch and rapid expansion of
services such as Starlink, much hype and excitement surrounds the new ways to connect to the internet. For those inside Iran, the possibility of satellite internet services reaching the country also presents the hope of connecting to an unrestricted, high-speed internet, especially in the face of increased online censorship, throttling, and internet shutdowns since the September 2022 protests shrunk access to international services even further.
The Iranian state maintains a monopoly over telecommunication services in Iran, inclduding ISPs. While smaller, private ISPs exist and there is currently only one international ISP, the South African operator MTN, providing services in Iran in partnership with the state affiliated Irancell. Any private and independent operator is compelled to abide by the censorship and internet shutdown requirements imposed by Iranian authority or face penalties, sanctions, or even closures. These conditions are exactly why satellite internet services, both for being independent and being able to provide internet services remotely, without the need for state infrastructure are creating much hope for those in Iran. Though there are many human rights, legal, and financial challenges involved in realizing this hope, which will be discussed below.
A major concern about the use of satellite internet services relates to privacy and security concerns. First is the security of the internet connection itself, in order to prevent interception and interference with the connection, which could potentially give access to the data being shared via the internet.Therefore robust encryption and security protocols are required to ensure the safety of users. Transparency, and clear and effective communication of any security risks to users therefore are of vital importance. This should include providing easy access to this information to be provided clearly and in local languages, in this case Persian being the most appropriate in the first instance. In addition, information on how security can be enhanced while using these services, such as the use of VPNs or firewalls should also be communicated to users effectively.
Given the fact that the use of satellite internet services requires an earthbound receiver to be placed in unobstructed spaces, they could be easily detected. Should the use of satellite internet in Iran increase over time, so could the threat of confiscation, fine, and even arrests in relation to procurement and use of these services by Iranian authorities. It is difficult to predict exactly what and if any reaction the authorities will have, therefore at this stage this is based on the current attitudes and investments made towards severely restricting the internet to date, and parallels with some of the events surrounding other satellite technologies such as satellite television.
As mentioned, providing satellite services in any country would require the country’s approval and its various licensing and broadcasting conditions based on its laws and regulations. Iran has already confirmed that it would cooperate with those wishing to provide such service in Iran, However, compliance with national requirements in this instance would mean implementing shutdowns, censorship and other restrictions which would defeat the purpose of supporting internet freedoms and human rights online.
Satellite jamming is also a possibility in Iran. As mentioned, the closest comparable experience to the use of satellite television services, where satellite jamming was deployed by the authorities. Though jamming capabilities are resource intensive, and the technology to do so is different for different types of satellite technologies, we have already seen attempts of jamming of satellite internet by Russian forces as services such as Starlink played a vital role in keeping Ukraine online.
It would be difficult to ascertain Iran's exact counter space capabilities at this stage, it is still an important factor to be aware of, should service providers wish to support those inside Iran without working with the Iranian government.
Underscoring all the factors above is the issue of whether or not it would be possible for those inside Iran to firstly gain access to satellite receivers, and second to be able to receive access to these services. As referenced in other parts of this report, those inside Iran struggle to have access to international payment systems due to international sanctions and restrictions, preventing them from purchasing international services. Use of satellite internet services currently involves high fees especially compared to transitional internet service providers, which will mean the most marginalized groups will be excluded from the use of these services should payment be required. Providing free services would remove this major obstacles for supporting internet freedoms and human rights in Iran, and is supported by GLD1 and GLD2.