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After a staggering 88 days of extensive internet shutdown, Iran has recently announced a partial restoration of connectivity. However, many citizens are left grappling with slow and unstable access, as government assertions of a return to normalcy appear to be overstated. Reports from across the country reveal that approximately 60 per cent of the population continues to face significant barriers to comprehensive internet access.
A Glimpse of Connectivity: The Reality for Many Iranians
Following the killing of a prominent figure and the onset of conflict earlier this year, Iran’s extensive internet blackout became one of the longest in modern history. While state media heralded the “return of the internet” this past week, investigations by Independent Persian and data from internet traffic analysts indicate that the situation remains far from satisfactory. Many users are still unable to connect to the global internet, and those who can report a frustratingly limited experience.
According to data from Kentik, a company specialising in internet traffic analysis, the traffic levels in Iran are still considerably below pre-blackout figures. In this latest phase, often described as a limited reconnection, user connectivity has barely reached 39 per cent. This stark reality is echoed in numerous reports from citizens across Iran, who describe their online experiences as heavily curtailed.
Voices from the Ground: User Experiences
Numerous accounts from individuals in cities across Iran paint a grim picture. A resident of Tehran shared, “Even though the internet has partially reopened, none of the apps work properly, even with strong VPNs. We still have to rely on expensive paid configurations to get connected.” Similar sentiments are echoed by users who find that popular applications like Telegram are either malfunctioning or entirely inoperable.
Reports also suggest that while fixed broadband users may have regained some access, critical services such as Google Play remain inaccessible for many, leaving them unable to download or update essential applications. Users are finding that their Android devices, particularly Samsung smartphones, are severely hampered by the inability to receive security updates, which raises concerns about the overall functionality of their devices.
The Economic Toll of the Shutdown
The ramifications of the internet blackout are not solely technical; they have inflicted substantial economic damage on the Iranian economy. Estimates from NetBlocks indicate that the direct economic losses from the shutdown have reached approximately $3.287 billion (£2.45 billion), a staggering figure that highlights the profound impact of the internet restrictions.
Daily losses during the blackout were previously estimated at around $37.35 million (£27.79 million), with additional indirect losses ranging from $70 million (£52 million) to $80 million (£59.50 million) per day. The total indirect losses over the 88-day period are estimated to be between $6.16 billion (£4.58 billion) and $7.04 billion (£5.24 billion), averaging around $6.6 billion (£4.91 billion). To put this in perspective, the financial toll from the internet shutdown exceeded the entire budget allocated for rural water supply infrastructure for an entire year.
The Broader Implications of Internet Control
The extended blackout has reignited discussions surrounding the concept of “tiered internet access” and the state’s ongoing control over information flow. During the shutdown, certain government institutions and state-affiliated entities continued to enjoy uninterrupted internet access, underscoring a stark disparity in connectivity rights among citizens.
Even with the supposed restoration of services, many users describe the current state as experiencing a “half-dead internet,” with a lingering uncertainty about the extent of restrictions and the timeline for comprehensive access. This situation has raised alarms among observers regarding the potential for future nationwide shutdowns.
Why it Matters
The ongoing challenges faced by Iranians in accessing the internet are not solely about connectivity; they represent a significant infringement on personal freedoms and economic stability. As the Iranian government grapples with public discontent and international scrutiny, the importance of unrestricted access to information and communication has never been more pronounced. The implications of this situation extend beyond Iran, serving as a reminder of the vital role that internet freedom plays in the broader context of human rights and socio-economic development.
