Fact Check: 30,000 to 40,000 Starlink terminals reportedly exist in Iran.

Fact Check: "30,000 to 40,000 Starlink terminals reportedly exist in Iran."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that there are indeed 30,000 to 40,000 Starlink terminals operating in Iran. This estimate comes from a spokesperson for Holistic Resilience, a nonprofit organization that advocates for information access in closed societies. They based their estimate on network scans and discussions with individuals involved in the sale of these terminals within Iran. Additionally, another report confirms that Iran has more than 30,000 SpaceX Starlink satellite internet subscribers, which aligns with the previous estimate and highlights the growing reliance on satellite internet amid ongoing internet restrictions in the country (IntelliNews).

Iranian authorities have officially banned the use of Starlink terminals, citing concerns that they could facilitate foreign attacks, particularly from Israel (Cryptopolitan). Despite this ban, the demand for Starlink services has surged, especially following significant internet restrictions imposed after the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, which led to widespread protests and subsequent governmental crackdowns (IntelliNews).

Analysis

The claim that there are 30,000 to 40,000 Starlink terminals in Iran is supported by multiple credible sources. The estimate from Holistic Resilience is particularly noteworthy as it is based on empirical data and direct conversations with local sellers, which adds a layer of reliability to the claim. Furthermore, the corroboration from other news outlets, including NBC News and IntelliNews, reinforces the validity of this estimate.

However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of the sources. Holistic Resilience, while reputable, operates within a specific advocacy framework that may influence its reporting. The Iranian government has a history of restricting internet access and disseminating information that aligns with its narrative, which could lead to underreporting or misrepresentation of the actual number of terminals in use (Cryptopolitan).

Moreover, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the nature of the information being reported—especially concerning a technology that the Iranian government has banned—may also introduce a degree of uncertainty regarding the exact figures. Nonetheless, the convergence of estimates from various independent sources lends credence to the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that 30,000 to 40,000 Starlink terminals reportedly exist in Iran is substantiated by credible estimates from multiple sources, including Holistic Resilience and various news reports. Despite the Iranian government's ban on these terminals, the evidence suggests a significant presence of Starlink technology within the country, driven by the need for reliable internet access amid ongoing restrictions.

Fact Check: 30,000 to 40,000 Starlink terminals reportedly exist in Iran.