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Iran partially restores internet access after months-long shutdown
🇸🇬 Singapore /Technology

Iran partially restores internet access after months-long shutdown

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Iran has partially restored internet connectivity after an approximately three-month shutdown.
  • The internet restrictions were imposed following the outbreak of war on February 28.
  • While some users report restored home broadband, mobile internet access remains largely cut off, and VPNs are still needed for some social media.

Iranian authorities have partially lifted internet restrictions, restoring connectivity for some users after a shutdown lasting nearly three months. The internet blackout was initially imposed on February 28, coinciding with the outbreak of war, and followed a similar, shorter shutdown in January amid anti-government protests.

The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken.

— Mohammad Reza ArefIran's Vice President commented on the partial restoration of internet access.

Monitoring services indicated a partial restoration of internet access on Tuesday, May 26, marking the 88th day of the nationwide shutdown. However, the extent to which this signifies a permanent end to what has been described as the longest nationwide internet disruption in modern history remains unclear. Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that this marks the "first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace" and that the demands of Iranians "will be fulfilled."

The demands of Iranians will be fulfilled.

— Mohammad Reza ArefIran's Vice President expressed commitment to meeting citizens' demands regarding internet access.

Reports from within Iran offer a mixed picture of the restoration. While state news agencies claimed full international internet connectivity has been restored for fixed broadband users, independent monitors have not fully confirmed this. Witnesses reported that home internet services have been restored in some areas, allowing access to international websites, but mobile internet remains largely inaccessible. Many users still require VPNs to access certain social media platforms.

Live metrics show a partial restoration to internet connectivity in Iran on day 88.

— NetblocksThe internet monitoring group reported on the status of connectivity.

Experts caution that the partial restoration should be viewed in perspective, noting that Iran has a significant distance to go to return to pre-shutdown levels of internet traffic. The prolonged shutdown has had a considerable economic impact and has been a subject of debate within the administration, particularly among moderates who are eager to end the measure. However, final decisions on such matters rest with higher authorities.

Iran has a long way to go to get back to pre-Jan-8 levels of traffic volumes.

— Doug MadoryAn internet analysis expert provided perspective on the restoration's significance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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