In brief
With the Iranian government shutting down the internet in response to widespread protests, Starlink has reportedly made its service free for users in the country. This satellite internet technology has become crucial for communicating with the outside world. Despite this, users face the threat of imprisonment, as authorities intensify efforts to locate and confiscate Starlink equipment. Reports indicate that the ongoing unrest has resulted in a staggering number of casualties but accurate information remains elusive due to the government's censorship efforts.
Starlink has reportedly waived monthly subscription payments for users inside Iran after its government shut down the internet last Thursday - cutting off millions of people from their families, livelihoods and access to information, during a deadly crackdown on protests.
The satellite technology has become a vital communications lifeline for some of those in the country trying to tell the outside world what has been happening on the ground in recent days.
Two people in Iran told BBC Persian their device was running on Tuesday night even though they had not been keeping up with subscription payments. The director of an organisation that helps Iranians get online also told BBC Persian that Starlink had been made free.
The satellite technology, which belongs to Elon Musk's SpaceX company, provides internet to tens of thousands of people in Iran, despite the fact it is illegal there. Since the internet was shut down, it has become one of the last, if not the last, remaining channels for Iranians to communicate with the outside world.
Using the service in Iran carries a punishment of up to two years in prison and authorities have reportedly been searching for Starlink dishes to stop people from connecting to the internet.
The device operates like a mobile phone mast in space, using a constellation of satellites to communicate with small dishes on the ground with a built-in WiFi router.
Moreover, those who are taking the risk are going to great lengths, such as traveling long distances to send information out. Even though the government intensifies efforts to suppress dissent and control information dissemination, accounts suggest that roughly 50,000 people are still accessing Starlink.
Despite the dangers, Starlink has become indispensable for many Iranians communicating what is happening inside the country to the rest of the world. Reports indicate that the Iranian government aims to control the narrative through stringent censorship, further complicating the situation on the ground.
