What's happened
Iran has been gradually restoring internet access after an 88-day nationwide blackout tied to protests and regional conflict. While connectivity is returning, many users report slow, unstable service and continued restrictions on platforms. Prices for data and VPNs remain high as the economy endures upheaval.
What's behind the headline?
What’s happening now
- The government has begun reestablishing international connectivity, but performance remains inconsistent. NetBlocks and Kentik report capacity and traffic still well below pre-cutoff levels.
- Economic strains are evident: traditional industries and online businesses report revenue losses, and the cost of VPNs has surged, affecting daily life.
- Public sentiment shows a divide between relief at reconnecting and fear of renewed restrictions. Some citizens describe the internet as a basic right, not a privilege.
Why this matters
- The move tests the regime’s balance between security concerns and economic needs. A stable, reliable internet could support a fragile economy and inform international observers about human rights implications.
- Prolonged disruption risks further erosion of trust in government communications and may incentivize broader use of private networks.
What’s next
- Connectivity could improve in phases, but platforms and apps may remain restricted or require VPNs. The speed of restoration will shape business recovery and public discourse.
How we got here
The Iranian government has long restricted internet access during protests and security crises. In late February, a new blackout was imposed after U.S.-Israeli strikes, compounding a January shutdown that began with protests. Authorities have signaled a push to reopen, underlining concerns about economic impact and civic rights.
Our analysis
The Guardian, The Independent, The Times of Israel, Reuters, New York Times
Go deeper
- Is the internet restoration likely to be permanent or a temporary measure?
- How are Iranian businesses adapting to the renewed connectivity?
- What does this mean for access to independent news inside Iran?
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Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran) - Country in the Middle East
Iran, also called Persia, and officially the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered to the northwest by Armenia and Azerbaijan, to the north by the Caspian Sea, to the northeast by Turkmenistan, to the east by Afghanistan a
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Kentik - Company
Kentik is an American network observability, network monitoring and anomaly detection company headquartered in San Francisco, California.
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United States - Country in North America
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Masoud Pezeshkian - Member of Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran
Masoud Pezeshkian is an Iranian heart surgeon and reformist politician of Azerbaijani and Kurdish descent who is currently President-elect of Iran.
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NetBlocks
NetBlocks is a non-governmental organization that monitors cybersecurity and the governance of the Internet. The organization was founded in 2017 to monitor Internet freedom.