Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTehran implemented a near-total internet blackout during widespread protests against the country's economic crisis, with human rights groups reporting over 540 protester deaths.Demonstrators hoped Elon Musk's Starlink service could provide connectivity, but experts state it is not a quick solution for 90 million people due to limited hardware and attacks on its service.Starlink connectivity was targeted by GPS jamming as the blackout began, though some information has still emerged from devices connected to the service.While direct-to-cell satellite technology could offer broader connectivity, it would be a costly, long-term project requiring significant investment.The internet blackout is part of the Iranian regime's long-term strategy to centralise internet control, a tactic previously used to suppress protests, notably in 2009 and 2019.In fullHow Iran is ‘jamming’ Starlink satellites to stop horror of protest crackdown reaching the outside worldThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Despite internet blackout, a small number of Iranians are risking their lives to share messages as protests continue

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTehran implemented a near-total internet…