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Iran partially lifts internet shutdown as fixed broadband starts working in some areas
The Iranian government has partly lifted an internet shutdown that began during protests against the regime in January. Fixed broadband to homes has started working in some areas, though mobile internet remains down. Iran has long censored websites and policed residents' posts on social media platforms.
The Iranian government has partially lifted an internet shutdown that has been in place since protests erupted against the regime in January. State media is reporting that fixed broadband connections to people's homes have started working again in some areas, marking the first significant restoration of connectivity after months of near-total blackout.
However, mobile internet remains down across the country, meaning millions of Iranians still cannot access the internet from their phones. The partial restoration applies only to fixed-line broadband, leaving a significant portion of the population without full connectivity, particularly younger users who rely primarily on mobile devices.
Iranian residents expressed relief at the partial restoration. One citizen told reporters they were very happy that internet is going to be restored because businesses can get back to normal, noting they had an online shop that had been forced to close. However, concerns about ongoing censorship persist, with the same resident noting that if the authorities come up with a solution to the censorship problem, many issues would be solved.
Iran has long maintained one of the world's most restrictive internet environments, censoring websites and monitoring residents' activity on social media platforms. The January shutdown was triggered by widespread anti-government protests and represented one of the longest sustained internet blackouts imposed by any government in recent years, lasting approximately 87 days before this partial lifting.
The timing of the partial restoration coincides with ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States over a potential peace deal to end the broader regional conflict. Analysts suggest the move may be intended to ease domestic pressure on the government while signalling a degree of normalisation as diplomatic efforts progress. International digital rights organisations have condemned Iran's internet shutdowns as violations of fundamental freedoms and have called for full and unconditional restoration of connectivity.