Iranians Regain Internet Access After Prolonged Shutdown Amid Ongoing Restrictions

Iranians began regaining internet access on Wednesday after a monthslong shutdown, which had been imposed during nationwide protests. However, users reported that connectivity remained slow and inconsistent, with popular applications such as YouTube and Instagram still facing significant restrictions.

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The Iranian authorities lifted some internet restrictions, citing military necessities following attacks by the United States and Israel on February 28. Despite the restoration of some services, many Iranians expressed concern that access could be abruptly cut off again.

Current Internet Connectivity Status

According to internet tracking company Netblocks, Iran’s internet connectivity is currently at approximately 86% of its pre-shutdown capacity. However, Kentik, an internet analysis firm, reported that overall internet traffic has only reached around 40% of its previous levels.

Amir Rashidi, an Iranian cybersecurity analyst, noted that widespread disruptions persist. He commented, “It’s too early to say the shutdown is over,” highlighting ongoing connectivity issues that continue to affect users.

Impact of the Shutdown

Iran’s population of approximately 90 million experienced one of the world’s longest national internet shutdowns, which severely impacted individuals reliant on online careers. The economic consequences of the cutoff included job losses and the collapse of online businesses, exacerbating the financial toll of the ongoing war.

Communication among Iranian families was hindered throughout the months of unrest and conflict. While phone lines were initially disrupted, they were later restored. One woman from Tehran shared her frustration, stating that she had limited contact with her sons abroad and expressed disbelief at the restoration of internet access.

A taxi driver also noted the restoration of service but described it as weak, expressing hope for improvements to enable better communication with family and friends. Both individuals requested anonymity for security reasons.

During the shutdown, internet prices soared, with residents in Tehran paying up to $7.50 per gigabyte. Prices have since decreased to about $2.25 for 30 gigabytes, returning to pre-protest levels.

Access to popular social media platforms remains tightly controlled, compelling many users to rely on virtual private networks (VPNs). The cost of these workarounds increased during the shutdown, becoming unaffordable for many amid a struggling economy.

Businesses and Content Creators Adjust

As internet services gradually return, businesses have begun reestablishing their online presence, utilizing platforms like Instagram and Telegram to announce their comeback.

A gamer and tech influencer from Isfahan reported significant losses in audience engagement on YouTube and Instagram due to the shutdown. He conveyed in a voice note sent via WhatsApp, “All my views and interactions are way down. I’ve been erased from the algorithm,” while also noting that his internet connection remains slower than before.

He further elaborated, “The situation is such that many content producers have had their income reduced to zero, have moved on to other jobs, or have been forced to sell their equipment to survive,” emphasizing the dire circumstances faced by many creators.

Government’s Justification and Economic Impact

The Iranian government initially imposed the internet shutdown during mass anti-government protests, which were met with violent crackdowns resulting in thousands of fatalities and detentions. This internet blackout was later expanded following the onset of the war and subsequent attacks that killed high-ranking officials.

The prolonged internet shutdown drew widespread criticism for its detrimental effects on an economy already burdened by inflation and external sanctions. Afshin Kolahi, a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, estimated that the internet cutoff incurred daily losses of $30-40 million, with indirect losses potentially doubling that figure. Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi stated that around 10 million jobs in Iran depend on internet connectivity.

While Iranians maintained access to a national network, users reported limited reach and poor service quality, alongside heavy censorship. Senior government officials received SIM cards granting them access to the global internet, and during the shutdown, the government expanded this access to select professions under public pressure.

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