Starlink operates through roughly 20,000 terminals in Iran via black market channels, despite the government’s restrictions.
Starlink satellites provide a crucial internet lifeline in countries where governments control online information. The network now has over 7,500 active satellites in orbit. The Iranian regime used internet blackouts to suppress protests during November 2019 and the Mahsa Amini protests in December 2022. The situation changed after Elon Musk activated Starlink services in Iran during nationwide internet restrictions.
This piece will give you the details you need to connect to Starlink in Iran. You’ll learn about its legal status and safe equipment setup methods. The guide includes applicable information about Starlink’s price in Iran and different ways to access the service.
Is Starlink Available in Iran?
Starlink doesn’t officially operate in Iran. The Iranian government bans the satellite internet service as part of its strict internet control policies. The ground reality tells a different story.
Current legal status and restrictions
Iranian authorities have worked hard to stop Starlink from operating within their borders. They filed a complaint with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in May 2023. They wanted Starlink to follow the country’s rules and get proper licenses. The ITU ruled that Starlink didn’t have the right permits under Iranian law. The ITU board asked Starlink to remove its infrastructure from Iran in March 2024.
Iran’s Communications Minister, Issa Zarepour, says satellite internet providers like Starlink can work in Iran. They must follow Iran’s territorial rules and help filter internet content. The government wants these providers to censor content just like other social media platforms do.
Elon Musk’s statement on Starlink in Iran
The Iranian government limited internet access nationwide after Israel struck their military and nuclear sites on April 20, 2024. Elon Musk responded on X with “The beams are on,” which meant Starlink was active in Iran. This wasn’t his first move. He turned on Starlink services during the September 2022 protests after Mahsa Amini’s death.
Musk explained back then: “It requires the use of terminals in-country, which I suspect the government will not support, but if anyone can get terminals into Iran, they will work”.
How people are accessing it unofficially
Iranians have clever ways to use Starlink even with the ban. Industry experts say about 20,000 Starlink terminals work in Iran through black market routes. The total number of satellite internet users might be more than 100,000.
Getting Starlink equipment is easier than you’d think if you know the right people:
- Activists and allies help smuggle terminals across borders
- Users buy equipment through NasNet, a Persian-language Telegram channel
- One Iranian user got his terminal “like a pizza” after sharing his location with a delivery person
NasNet helps users with YouTube tutorials that show setup and fixing common problems. This freedom comes with big risks – the Iranian regime calls satellite internet equipment illegal smuggled goods.
Starlink’s popularity challenges the regime’s grip on internet control. One group helping make Starlink available puts it this way: “Soon the number of users will reach millions and the governance of the Internet will be completely removed from the hands of the government”.
What You Need to Get Started
You need specific equipment and technical knowledge to set up Starlink in Iran. Getting the right setup is vital to ensure a successful connection.
Starlink kit components
The standard Starlink Kit comes with five key parts: the Starlink dish (nicknamed “Dishy”), power supply, connecting cables, mounting base, and WiFi router. Performance and Enterprise kits are different – they don’t include WiFi routers, so you’ll need to buy those separately. The main cable that connects your dish to the router is 15 meters (49.2 ft) long. You can get longer cables if you need them.
Starlink price in Iran and nearby regions
Legal restrictions mean there’s no official pricing in Iran, but nearby countries give us good price estimates. UAE customers pay about AED 3,200 ($870) for installation and AED 300 ($82) monthly. US prices range from $80 to $120 per month, and hardware starts at $349. The standard package costs $599 plus $110 monthly for unlimited data with no extra fees.
Power and location requirements
Your Starlink dish needs steady power to work properly. Standard models use 75-100 watts during active use and 20 watts while idle. The dish needs a clear 110-degree view of the sky to work best. Most users put their equipment on rooftops or poles.
The Starlink app’s “Check for Obstructions” feature helps you find the best spot before installation. The system works in temperatures from -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F) and can handle winds up to 96 kph (60 mph). Permanent mounting gives you the best performance, protects your cables, and ensures reliability over time.
How to Connect to Starlink in Iran
Starlink access in Iran demands both creativity and determination. The service might not be officially available, but thousands of Iranians have found ways to connect successfully. Let me show you how to join these innovative users:
Ordering from neighboring countries
Starlink lacks regulatory approval in Iran, so many locals order their equipment from countries where the service operates legally. Turkey, Armenia, and the United Arab Emirates serve as popular purchase points. Some residents ask their relatives abroad to buy the equipment since monthly payments need foreign credit cards that Iranian banks cannot provide.
Using third-party shipping services
The equipment makes its way into Iran through specialized shipping networks. Most Starlink Mini devices enter through Sulaymaniyah in Iraq. Market analysts estimate about 20,000 Starlink terminals now operate in Iran through black market routes. The buying process works smoothly these days – users can place orders online, pick up their equipment, and pay when it arrives.
Setting up the dish and router
Your new Starlink kit needs proper setup:
- Pick a spot with clear sky visibility – this is vital to keep your connection stable
- Link the dish to your router with the included cables
- Set the dish on its kickstand to arrange it correctly
- Connect the router’s power cable to an outlet
Using the Starlink app for activation
The setup process continues with these steps:
- Get the Starlink app on your phone
- Join the “STARLINK” WiFi network (it starts unsecured)
- Let the app’s “Check for Obstructions” feature help you place the dish
- Set up your own WiFi name and password in the app
How to access Starlink in Iran safely
Iranian authorities label Starlink equipment as smuggled goods, which creates legal risks for users. Security expert Amir Rashidi offers this advice: “Users should avoid accessing Iranian platforms or websites through Starlink because these portals might reveal their identity”.
Many Iranians reduce costs by sharing one Starlink connection among several users. Equipment prices range from 40 to 100 million tomans (USD 660 to USD 1600) plus monthly fees. This shared approach remains secure when everyone follows proper safety measures.
Common Issues and Workarounds
Setting up Starlink in Iran isn’t just about installing equipment—you just need to understand what it all means and how to solve problems that might come up.
Legal risks and how to minimize them
Using Starlink in Iran has serious legal consequences. The Iranian government calls Starlink terminals illegal smuggled goods, which puts users at risk of prosecution. In November 2023, security forces confiscated 22 Starlink terminals. Here’s how to lower your risks:
- Stay away from Iranian platforms or websites when using Starlink, as authorities might spot users through these portals
- Use proper security protocols when sharing access with others
- Keep quiet about your use of the service
Security expert Amir Rashidi says, “For accessing non-Iranian sites or platforms, Starlink is a very safe tool”. The physical equipment isn’t easy to trace, which helps protect against detection.
Signal interference and dish placement tips
Your Starlink dish needs a clear view of the sky to work well. Even small things like tree branches can cut off your service. Here’s how to handle interference:
- The Starlink app’s “Check for Obstructions” tool uses augmented reality to show possible barriers
- Rooftops or poles are your best spots to mount your dish
- A permanent mount helps maintain a steady connection
The Starlink dish sees an impressive 110-degree field of view, but you still need to place it carefully. Put your router in the middle of your home, ideally on a flat surface halfway up the room instead of the floor.
Using VPNs and proxies with Starlink
Starlink works with VPNs that use TCP or UDP, and SSL-based VPNs usually work best with CGNAT. This feature helps users in Iran, which ranks second globally (after China) in VPN censorship.
A VPN with Starlink adds extra security against government surveillance. Full-tunnel VPN connections protect all your data while still allowing content monitoring or blocking. Many Iranians find that using Starlink with VPN services gives them the best protection against government monitoring.
Keep in mind that VPNs might slow things down a bit since data encryption takes time. Choose reliable VPN services that work well in restricted environments.
Conclusion
Starlink in Iran has become a powerful yet complex reality. Despite government bans and formal complaints to international bodies, thousands of Iranians now access free satellite internet through underground networks. Technology moves faster than censorship efforts and creates digital lifelines where traditional internet fails.
This guide covered everything from Starlink’s unofficial status to equipment acquisition, connection setup, and security measures. The black market now supports about 20,000 terminals, which shows how determined Iranian people are to access unrestricted information.
Safety should be your top priority. Users must avoid Iranian websites while on Starlink and should use VPN services to protect themselves. The right equipment placement, security protocols, and careful discretion provide the best defense against legal risks.
Starlink’s equipment and service costs are high but worth the investment. This technology gives people true information freedom, especially during government blackouts that often happen during protests and civil unrest.
Starlink’s growing presence in Iran keeps challenging the government’s grip on information control. This satellite breakthrough changes power dynamics and could put internet governance beyond government reach permanently.
Starlink access in Iran proves that advanced technology can bypass censorship. The process needs caution, resourcefulness, and technical knowledge—but many Iranians find their newfound freedom worth these challenges.
