Iran investigates internet data usage and tariff calculations

Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Sattar Hashemi, has ordered a technical investigation into how mobile and fixed internet operators calculate data consumption and tariffs. The move follows widespread public complaints regarding the perceived premature depletion of internet data packages.

Investigations conducted by the Communications Regulatory Authority, involving journalists to ensure transparency, found no documented evidence to support claims that operators were intentionally miscalculating usage. However, officials noted that several factors contribute to rapid data consumption.

Hamid Khansari, Deputy of Postal, Communications, and Information Technology Affairs at the Regulatory Authority, explained that many users experience higher costs because domestic content addresses and IP addresses are not always updated in the preferential tariff system. This results in domestic traffic being charged at international rates.

Other contributing factors include the increasing volume of high-quality video content, automatic software and operating system updates, cloud synchronization, and background application activity. The Ministry has encouraged citizens to report any ongoing grievances through the Regulatory Authority or the 195 service system.