Full Breakdown
Iran Introduces Temporary “Internet Pro” Scheme to Ease Business Access Amid Ongoing Internet Blackout
4/29/2026, 1:22:54 AM
Core Development: Temporary Relief for Business Internet Use
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has approved a temporary “Internet Pro” program that allows businesses to access the global internet with reduced restrictions. The scheme, announced by government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, is presented as a crisis-time measure to preserve commercial activity while the country remains under a nationwide internet blackout that began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes. Le Monde reported that the program initially opened applications for professional groups—including doctors, teachers, lawyers and engineers—subject to approval by intelligence services.
Background: From January Blackout to February Re-Imposition
The government first imposed an internet blackout on January 8 in response to nationwide anti-government protests. Connections gradually returned in February, but a second blackout was reinstated on February 28 after the escalation of hostilities with the United States and Israel. Under normal conditions, Iran’s internet is heavily censored, with many websites blocked and an intranet used for services such as school curricula.
Data & Statistics: Economic Toll of the Blackout
Afshin Kolahi, head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce’s knowledge-based economy commission, estimates daily direct losses of $30 million to $40 million, rising to as much as $80 million when indirect effects are included. The disruptions affect a broad range of sectors, especially freelancers and small enterprises that rely on stable internet connectivity for income.
Why It Matters: Economic and Social Consequences
The blackout hampers not only digital commerce but also the broader labor market, threatening jobs and incomes. While the “Internet Pro” scheme targets businesses, most citizens remain dependent on costly VPNs or Starlink terminals to circumvent restrictions, underscoring public frustration and the civil-rights dimension of internet access.
Official Statements & Responses
The government emphasized that the scheme is a temporary response to crisis conditions and that internet access will revert to normal once authorities declare the situation stable. The telecommunications regulator reported investigations into operators allegedly violating the framework, signaling enforcement of the new rules.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note that the relief is limited to select professional groups and businesses, leaving the majority of the population with restricted access. The reliance on intelligence-service approval for applications raises concerns about transparency and equitable treatment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Supreme National Security Council approved the ‘Internet Pro’ scheme to preserve businesses during times of crisis,” — Fatemeh Mohajerani, Government Spokesperson
- “Once the situation is announced to be normal by relevant authorities, the situation of the internet will also change,” — Fatemeh Mohajerani
- “Once the situation is announced to be normal by relevant authorities, the situation of the internet will also change,” she added, stressing that the government was receptive to people’s demands and believed in access to the internet as a civil right.” — Fatemeh Mohajerani
- “The “Internet Pro” plan is meant to solely benefit businesses as a temporary response to crisis conditions, but state media quoted the country’s telecommunications regulator as saying on Monday that some operators had violated the framework, with investigations under way.” — Telecommunications Regulator (quoted by state media)
What’s Next
Authorities have indicated that the “Internet Pro” measures will remain in effect until the security council declares the situation normal. Ongoing investigations into non-compliant operators may shape future enforcement, while businesses and professional groups continue to seek broader internet access.
