Iran expands limited internet access but restrictions remain for most

From Tehran, the Iranian authorities are implementing a phased restoration of internet access, but the reality for most of the nation's over 90 million people is continued digital isolation. This limited expansion, primarily through a service dubbed "Internet Pro," serves mainly to underscore the vast majority's disconnection since the near-total shutdown began on February 28, coinciding with the initial bombings in the region. Connectivity has reportedly plummeted to about 2 percent of pre-war levels, crippling the economy and frustrating citizens.

The "Internet Pro" service, offering 50-gigabyte data packages, allows access to some global services like Google and specific apps, but blocks most international sites and messaging platforms. Eligibility is determined by the state, with priority given to business owners, academics, researchers, and freelancers who register through state-linked entities. This selective approach creates a starkly tiered system, a concept Iran has historically opposed, which now renders internet access a privilege rather than a right.

This tiered system is distinct from the "white SIM cards" reserved for government officials, state-linked entities, and select individuals perceived as loyal to the establishment. The government's justification for these restrictions, framed around security during the ongoing conflict, contrasts sharply with the lived experience of ordinary Iranians. The economic fallout, estimated in billions of dollars in lost revenue, and the widespread public frustration are palpable. Meanwhile, a thriving black market for internet connections highlights the desperation for connectivity, a stark indicator of how essential digital access has become, even in the face of state-imposed limitations.