After nearly two weeks of digital darkness, Iran promised to flip the switch back on. Vice President Hossein Afshin announced that nationwide internet access will be fully restored by Friday following a direct presidential order. This move comes as the country grapples with severe economic disruptions and public outcry.
Official timeline for connectivity restoration
The government finally broke its silence regarding the widespread outage that began earlier this month. Hossein Afshin serves as the Vice-President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy. He spoke directly to the media on Monday about the new directive.
“By order of the president, nationwide internet access will be restored from today to tomorrow and at the latest by the end of the week,” Afshin stated during his interview.
In the Iranian calendar, the work week ends on Friday. This gives the Ministry of Communications a tight deadline to reconnect millions of users. The blackout started abruptly on January 8 at around 8:30 p.m. It coincided with a surge in anti-regime protests across several major cities.
The restoration process is reportedly happening in phases. Officials indicate that universities and research centers might see connectivity first. General mobile data for the public is expected to follow shortly after.
Critics fear a selective internet return
While the promise of connection offers hope, experts remain skeptical about the quality of access. The Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) organization warned that “restoration” does not mean freedom. They believe the government is simply moving from a total blackout to a highly filtered network.
Afshin mentioned that “fixed IPs” are being considered for large companies. This suggests a tiered system where businesses get better access than regular citizens. Critics argue this creates a digital divide. It allows the state to keep the economy running while suppressing social media.
What might remain blocked even after Friday:
- Instagram and WhatsApp: These are the primary communication tools for Iranians.
- Foreign News Sites: Access to international reporting remains heavily restricted.
- App Stores: Google Play and Apple App Store often face severe throttling.
- VPN Protocols: The government aggressively blocks tools used to bypass censorship.
The head of the Digital Transformation Commission of the Iran Computer Guild Organization weighed in heavily. He noted that reconnecting foreign platforms is currently impossible. This confirms fears that the “National Information Network,” a domestic intranet, will replace the global internet for many.
Digital economy takes a massive hit
The prolonged shutdown has devastated local businesses. Iran has a growing sector of startups and online retailers that rely entirely on connectivity. When the plug is pulled, these businesses effectively cease to exist.
Small business owners are the hardest hit victims. Many rely on Instagram to sell clothing, crafts, and food. Without access to the platform, their revenue drops to zero instantly. The promise of “fixed IPs” for large corporations does little to help these smaller entrepreneurs.
Impact on the Tech Sector:
| Sector | Immediate Impact | Long-term Risk |
|---|---|---|
| E-commerce | Sales dropped by 90% | Loss of customer trust |
| Freelancers | Missed deadlines | Loss of foreign clients |
| Education | Remote classes halted | Brain drain of students |
| Banking | Transaction failures | Cash shortage panic |
Financial analysts estimate the loss runs into millions of dollars daily. The Vice President’s involvement highlights the government’s realization of this damage. A “Knowledge-Based Economy” cannot function without a reliable connection to the outside world.
Protests sparked the digital blackout
The timing of the outage was not a technical error. It was a calculated security measure. The blackout began on January 8 during a fresh wave of nationwide unrest. Security forces often cut internet access to prevent protesters from organizing.
This tactic stops the flow of videos and images leaving the country. It creates an information vacuum. During this period, families could not check on loved ones. The world remained largely in the dark about the events unfolding on the streets.
The regime justifies these shutdowns as necessary for national security. However, digital rights groups classify this as a violation of basic human rights. The United Nations has previously condemned such blanket shutdowns.
Timeline of the January Crisis:
- January 8 (8:30 PM): Internet traffic crashes to near zero.
- January 9-19: Sporadic connectivity reported only on domestic sites.
- January 20: VP Afshin announces the return of service.
- January 23 (Friday): The deadline for full restoration.
The pattern is familiar to Iranian citizens. Similar shutdowns occurred during protests in 2019 and 2022. Each time, the internet returns with tighter restrictions and better filtering technology.
The government is betting that restoring access will calm economic anxiety. Yet, the gap between the people and the state continues to widen. The internet is no longer just a utility in Iran; it is a battleground.
As Friday approaches, millions will be watching their signal bars. The return of connectivity will bring relief, but likely not freedom. The struggle for a free and open internet in Iran is far from over.
Tell us what you think. Do you believe the internet will remain open, or is this just a temporary fix? If you have family in the region, let us know if they are back online. Share your thoughts in the comments below using #IranInternet if you are sharing this story on social media.
