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The international internet monitoring organization NetBlocks has described the 240-hour internet outage in Iran as one of the longest ever recorded globally. It also marks the second-longest outage in the country since the January protests, the organization said. NetBlocks estimates that Iran “spent about a third of 2026 offline.”
The latest outage is linked to tensions following the January protests. During that period, Iranian authorities intensified control over digital communications and took measures to limit the use of the Starlink satellite network, which had become one of the last channels of communication with the outside world after a widespread internet shutdown in the country.
According to reports from activists and technical observers, the authorities activated interference systems that significantly weakened the functioning of satellite connections. These interferences caused frequent disconnections, large data losses, and practical difficulties in using the network in some areas of the country.
Iran has a long history of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum. In the past, authorities have blocked foreign satellite television broadcasts and systematically disrupted mobile and landline networks during periods of political tension.
Although Starlink operates via low-orbit satellites and encrypted connections, experts point out that the system can be affected by local signal interference.
According to technical analysts, the authorities' interference is not necessarily aimed at completely disabling the satellite network, but at making it unstable in certain areas. High-powered interference can cause frequent connection interruptions and poor signal quality, making it difficult to use it for video streaming or real-time communication.
Network experts report that in some areas, data packet loss initially reached around 30%, while in certain cases it reached up to 80%, suggesting strong signal interference.
Analysts compare this approach to satellite and GPS jamming tactics used in other conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. In the case of Iran, however, the technology is being used within the country's territory to restrict communication during protests.
Unlike traditional internet outages — where simply shutting down service providers is sufficient — satellite connections require ongoing technological intervention to thwart them. According to observers, Iranian authorities are investing in precisely this strategy: not in a complete blockage, but in the gradual degradation of connection quality.
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