Starlink Restores Access in Iran, Offers Free Service During Blackout

Overview

• Ahmad Ahmadian of Holistic Resilience said inactive Starlink accounts in Iran were reactivated and subscription fees were suspended starting Jan. 13, a detail echoed by a Bloomberg source who said the service is free.
• NetBlocks reported nationwide internet connectivity in Iran at roughly 1% of normal levels after shutdowns imposed in early January.
• Amir Rashidi of the Miaan Group reported Iranian security forces are using jammers near user terminals, causing packet loss of about 30% in many places and up to 80% in some areas.
• The International Telecommunication Union urged Iran to stop interfering with satellite internet signals.
• Poder360 reported the move followed a phone call earlier in the week between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk discussing Iranian access, and SpaceX did not issue an on-the-record comment.