N. Prabhakaran Dubai: The Iranian regime, under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues its brutal crackdown on protesters. Reports suggest that o...
N. Prabhakaran
Dubai: The Iranian regime, under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues its brutal crackdown on protesters. Reports suggest that over 500 people have been killed in the protests that have been raging for 18 days. On the twelfth day, when the government imposed a total internet blackout, American billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink emerged as a great hope. As 80 million Iranians were plunged into digital darkness, protesters used Starlink as a 'Plan B' to send images and videos to the outside world. However, information now suggests that the Khamenei regime has crushed that hope as well.
According to 'Iran Wire,' while initially only 30% of Starlink traffic was disrupted, that figure has now escalated to over 80%.
The 'Kill Switch' and Foreign Involvement
Experts believe the Iranian clerical leadership has activated a 'kill switch' to jam Starlink satellites. This disruption is being carried out using highly expensive, military-grade jamming equipment that was either developed domestically or supplied by Russia or China.
This development follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would speak with Elon Musk to restore internet access in Iran. There are also reports that the US is considering severe measures, including military action, against Iran.
"We will restore the internet if possible... Elon is very good at these kinds of things," Trump said on Sunday.
Protests have spread to over 280 locations across the country. Citizens are provoked by the worsening economic conditions and the regime's policy of aiding armed groups in Gaza and Lebanon while locals suffer. Protesters are demanding the step-down of the theocratic regime and the return of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Trump warned that if Iran continues to kill peaceful protesters, America would come to their rescue, stating they are "loaded and ready."
The Technology of Jamming
Starlink receivers use GPS to connect with satellites. Iran is employing jamming—using powerful radio signals—to disrupt these connections. Russia previously used similar technology in Ukraine, and China has also invested heavily in 'anti-GPS' technologies.
Currently, using Starlink in Iran is an offense punishable by death. Despite this, tens of thousands were using it secretly. Reports indicate that the current intensity of jamming is so severe it could even affect the health of civilians. Experts suspect the sophisticated jamming equipment was likely sourced from Russia or China.
As the protests enter their third week, the regime is attempting to block the last remaining gateway to the world. The world is now watching to see how Trump, with Musk's help, will restore internet connectivity.
Starlink in Iran: Facts and Figures
Usage: Since the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, Starlink usage has grown significantly. It is estimated that 40,000 to 50,000 Starlink terminals are currently operating in Iran.
Legal Consequences: Following the war with Israel, Iran tightened 'anti-espionage' laws. Using Starlink is considered treason; ordinary use carries a sentence of 6 months to 2 years, while usage for "espionage" can result in the death penalty.
Economic Impact: The internet shutdown is crippling the economy. Reports suggest Iran loses approximately $1.56 million (roughly ?13 crore) every hour the internet is down.
How the Jamming Works
Starlink operates via Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites about 550 km above Earth. The user's dish communicates via radio waves. Jamming breaks this link through several methods:
GPS Jamming: Starlink dishes need GPS to locate satellites. Jammers emit powerful signals on the same frequency, drowning out the weak satellite signals and leaving the dish unable to find the satellite's position.
Signal Overpowering (Brute Force Jamming): High-power 'noise' signals are sent to the specific frequency bands (Ku-band, Ka-band) used by Starlink. It is like playing loud music in a crowded room so no one can hear each other speak; the noise masks the data.
Packet Loss: This results in the 80% disruption mentioned earlier. Data is sent in small units called 'packets.' Jamming interferes with or destroys these packets before they reach their destination, causing the internet to crawl or stop entirely.
Military-Grade Equipment: Unlike ordinary jammers with limited range, Iran's high-power microwave jammers can block signals over several kilometers, neutralizing thousands of terminals at once.
Location-Based Jamming: Iran is currently using 'targeted jamming' in cities where protests are strongest. This allows the government to target protesters without affecting the entire country's communication infrastructure.
While Starlink frequently issues software updates to counter these threats, overcoming high-intensity, military-grade jamming remains a significant technical challenge.
COMMENTS