Story perspectives

Senators Push $10M for Expanded Internet Access in Iran

2/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. State Department and bipartisan senators seek $10 million for the Open Technology Fund to expand Iran internet access.
Demand for virtual private networks in Iran is 25 million users, exceeding OTF's 7.5 million capacity.
Laura Cunningham, president of the Open Technology Fund, warns delays could force VPN cuts for millions.
Since 2022, the State Department funds OTF through the U.S. Agency for Global Media, with processing typically one to two weeks.

1 of 1

Story summary

The U.S. State Department and bipartisan senators seek $10 million for the Open Technology Fund to expand Iran internet access.
Demand for virtual private networks in Iran is 25 million users, exceeding OTF's 7.5 million capacity.
Laura Cunningham, president of the Open Technology Fund, warns delays could force VPN cuts for millions.
Since 2022, the State Department funds OTF through the U.S. Agency for Global Media, with processing typically one to two weeks.