Starlink is working to maintain internet service in Iran as the government attempts to jam its signals amid ongoing protests. The Iranian government has reportedly implemented internet shutdowns and phone line disruptions as part of a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.

SpaceX, Starlink's operator, was working to improve service reliability in Iran, even before a request from former President Trump to Elon Musk. Reports indicate that the Iranian government's jamming technology has caused significant packet loss for Starlink users, ranging from 30 to 80 percent.

NasNet, an organization assisting Iranians in accessing Starlink, stated in a post on X that it collaborated with the Starlink technical team on a recent update. This update reportedly reduced packet loss to approximately 10 percent. However, NasNet characterized Starlink availability as a continuous "cat and mouse" game, suggesting that conditions could fluctuate or deteriorate.

The Iranian government's actions are part of a broader effort to control information flow during a period of unrest. Internet shutdowns have become a common tactic employed by authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent and limit the spread of information about protests.

Starlink utilizes a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide internet access. Its decentralized nature makes it more difficult to censor or shut down compared to traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure. However, governments can still attempt to disrupt the service through jamming, which involves transmitting radio signals that interfere with Starlink's satellite communications.

SpaceX has been actively working on techniques to bypass jamming attempts. The specific methods employed are not publicly disclosed, but they likely involve adjusting signal frequencies, increasing signal power, and implementing advanced signal processing techniques.

The situation in Iran highlights the ongoing tension between governments seeking to control information and individuals seeking access to uncensored communication. The effectiveness of Starlink in circumventing government censorship will likely depend on SpaceX's ability to adapt to evolving jamming techniques. The industry impact of this situation could lead to further development of anti-jamming technologies and strategies for satellite internet providers.