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Iran Internet Blackout Costs $37.7 M Daily, Sparks Protests

5/8/2026

49 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Iran's internet blackout has cut daily economic output by $37.7 million and crippled 70 % of businesses.
Demonstrations are set for Sunday despite the 70-day internet shutdown, per exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s office.
The regime offers limited internet via state networks and paid “Pro Internet” SIM cards.
Bypassing the shutdown with VPNs or Starlink has resulted in arrests and the death of user Hesam Alaeddin using Starlink equipment.

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Story summary

Iran's internet blackout has cut daily economic output by $37.7 million and crippled 70 % of businesses.
Demonstrations are set for Sunday despite the 70-day internet shutdown, per exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s office.
The regime offers limited internet via state networks and paid “Pro Internet” SIM cards.
Bypassing the shutdown with VPNs or Starlink has resulted in arrests and the death of user Hesam Alaeddin using Starlink equipment.