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Iran Expands Selective Internet Access During Prolonged Blackout

A tiered system signals state control over who can reach the global web.

Iran's extremely restricted local intranet has been working throughout the war, allowing people to connect to domestic websites, but it's still insufficient for businesses

Overview

  • Iran is widening a state-run “Internet Pro” program that grants metered global access to vetted users, while most people remain cut off.
  • Connectivity has fallen to about 2 percent of pre-war levels, and NetBlocks says the nationwide shutdown has lasted more than 50 days and is the longest on record.
  • Internet Pro is sold as 50‑gigabyte packages by three state-linked carriers, with thousands of sites and most global messengers blocked even as some app stores and Google services load.
  • University professors and researchers are being added to the access list through the Science Ministry, following earlier connections for selected companies and traders.
  • Officials and industry figures estimate daily losses at about $30 to $40 million, and small business owners report missed orders, broken communications, and selling valuables to pay staff.