Iran Restores SMS Services Amid Internet Blackout Rollback Efforts

Iran Eases Communication Restrictions After Weeks of Protests

Iran has begun to lift sweeping communication restrictions imposed after deadly protests that rocked the country for over two weeks. The semiofficial Fars News Agency reported on Saturday that authorities restored short messaging service (SMS) nationwide as part of a phased plan.

The decision followed the stabilization of the security situation and the detention of key figures linked to “terror organizations” behind the violence during protests over rising prices and economic hardship that erupted on December 28 in several Iranian cities. Authorities stated that the internet blackout had significantly weakened the internal connections of opposition networks abroad and disrupted the activities of “terror cells”.

As part of a phased approach, users are expected to regain access to Iran’s national internet network and domestic applications before international internet connectivity is restored. Local sources confirmed that access to Iranian messaging platforms, including Eita and Bale, had resumed after days of interruption.

Daily life has been profoundly affected by the prolonged shutdown of the internet, with locals feeling as though they are living almost 30 years back when there was limited internet availability. Officials have stated that the restoration will follow a gradual approach, with no clear timeline provided for the phased restoration of internet access.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has promised connectivity will return “soon”, but this promise remains vague. The blackout has compounded economic pressures that initially fueled the unrest, further complicating and destabilizing the economy. Tensions remain high in Iran despite relatively subdued protests in recent days.

The government has stated it was aware of its human rights obligations and took necessary measures to exercise maximum restraint while protecting its people and maintaining public order and national security. Monitoring groups report overall connectivity remains severely limited, with internet watchdog NetBlocks stating that access is currently at about 2 percent of normal levels.

Source: Al Jazeera