Irans Starlink internet service becomes available for free to the public

January 14, 2026 • Google News World

Iran has made Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service free for its citizens. The move comes as the Iranian government continues to crack down on protests, with reports suggesting that protesters are using the service to share videos and information online.

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service provided by SpaceX, which was launched in 2020. It offers high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas around the world.

According to reports, the Iranian government has made Starlink available for free to its citizens, although it is unclear how this will be implemented or enforced. The move is seen as an attempt to provide alternative internet access to those who are currently unable to use traditional services due to the government’s crackdown on protests.

Protesters in Iran have been using Starlink to share videos and information online, which has raised concerns about the potential for the service to be used for surveillance or other purposes. The Iranian government has denied any involvement with the service, but reports suggest that it is actively seeking out users who are sharing sensitive information online.

The move to make Starlink free in Iran has been welcomed by some, who see it as a way to provide access to the internet for those who need it most. However, others have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with using the service, particularly given the government’s history of suppressing dissent and opposition.

US lawmakers have also called on Donald Trump to restore internet access in Iran, citing concerns about the impact of the government’s crackdown on protests. The situation remains fluid, with reports suggesting that the Iranian government is actively hunting down users who are sharing sensitive information online using Starlink.

Source: Google News World