Iran is approaching one month of a nationwide internet blackout, raising questions about whether its citizens could remain permanently disconnected from the global web. The Iranian government is reportedly preparing to operate two separate internet systems: a filtered internet for approved users and a national internet for the general population, allowing the authorities to maintain strict control over online access.
When the Shutdown Began
The blackout started on the night of 8 January 2026, following widespread anti-government protests. Initially expected to last only a few days, the shutdown has now extended to a full month. The move completely cut off ordinary Iranians from global internet services.
Latest Updates from Cloudflare Radar
Network monitoring platform Cloudflare Radar reports that Iran has been under restricted connectivity for four weeks. Only a small segment of users with government approval currently has access to filtered internet, while broader connectivity remains unavailable.
The Future of Internet in Iran
Media reports suggest that Iran’s internet landscape remains uncertain. According to a report by The Guardian, the government is developing a plan to maintain two tiers of internet access:
- Filtered Internet – selectively provided to individuals approved by the government, allowing limited access to global websites and apps.
- National or Government Internet – available for the general population, with access restricted to government-approved websites and social apps.
Role of Starlink
Following the blackout, some Iranians attempted to connect to the outside world using Starlink satellite internet, which Elon Musk offered for free. However, Iran has not authorized Starlink operations officially, and authorities have taken action against users of the network. As a result, Starlink’s impact is now limited, leaving the majority of the population isolated from global internet services.
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