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4 clusters · 8 sources · 30 days · First seen · Last updated

Iran internet regulation and service disruptions

Overview

In late September 2026, Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Sattar Hashemi, initiated a technical investigation into how internet operators calculate data consumption and tariffs. This followed public complaints about the rapid depletion of data packages. While investigations by the Communications Regulatory Authority found no evidence of intentional miscalculation, officials noted that domestic traffic was sometimes charged at international rates due to outdated IP address systems. Other factors cited for high consumption included high-quality video content and automatic software updates. By mid-October, the focus shifted from tariff disputes to service disruptions. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani confirmed that authorities occasionally reduce internet speeds to protect databases and services during wartime conditions. Officials also expressed concern regarding Starlink, describing the satellite service as a threat to cyberspace governance. Authorities indicated that total internet shutdowns remain a possibility during military attacks, and some officials suggested that cutting electricity could be considered if satellite services continue to bypass domestic controls. On October 21, higher-level authorities issued a formal, binding executive mandate requiring the immediate disconnection of international internet access in the event of a new war. This directive follows a history of significant disruptions, including an 11-day disruption during a conflict with Israel in June 2025, a total shutdown of international internet and mobile services during nationwide protests in January 2026, and an 88-day period of near-total disconnection following military attacks by the US and Israel in early 2026. On October 23, mobile and fixed internet operators implemented a price hike of up to 40 percent for internet packages, SMS, and voice calls, affecting major providers such as Hamrah-e Aval and Irancell. This follows two previous increases within the last year, bringing the total rise in service costs to nearly 100 to 120 percent over a short period.

Entities

NetBlocks · Iran · Communications Regulatory Authority · Irancell · Ministry of Communications

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 6 sources
    Iran internet tariffs increase by up to 40 percent

    Iranian telecom operators have raised internet, SMS, and voice tariffs by up to 40 percent, following previous hikes that have significantly increased costs for consumers amid declining internet freedom.

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Iran authorities mandate immediate international internet shutdown during war

    Iranian authorities have issued a binding mandate to immediately cut off international internet access if a new war begins, following several major shutdowns during recent conflicts and protests.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Iran confirms intentional internet speed reductions

    The Iranian government confirmed it is intentionally throttling internet speeds to protect data during wartime, while expressing alarm over Starlink's ability to bypass domestic network controls.

  4. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Iran investigates internet data usage and tariff calculations

    Iran's Communications Minister has ordered an investigation into internet data usage following consumer complaints. Officials attribute rapid data depletion to unlisted domestic IPs and high-quality video usage

Sources

aftabnews.ir · asrtabriz.ir · boursenews.ir · ictnews.ir · ir.voanews.com · kayhan.london · morningjournal.com · negarmag.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history