The Iranian civil war has resulted in a near-total internet blackout in Iran, leading to international activists working to connect Iranians via the satellite internet system, Starlink. Despite being banned, a network of international activists has gained ground in Iran thanks to these efforts. As of this year, over 300 devices have been delivered to Iran by US-based organization NetFreedom Pioneers, according to Emilia James. The group purchased Starlink devices in European countries and moved them into Iran via "neighboring countries" before the government cracked down on the Starlink terminals in 2025, and those caught using them face imprisonment if found to have been sent by a US organization. The costs of using Starlink have increased, with many users paying prohibitive amounts of around $4,000 per month. However, free usage has been granted for new subscribers since the crackdown on protesters in January, but the cost of using the system has increased.