TL;DR
Forbes reported on January 11, 2026, that Iran has shut down Starlink internet service for the first time. The full article text is not available in the provided source, and additional details about the scope, methods or consequences were not included.
What happened
A Forbes headline dated January 11, 2026, says Iran has shut down Starlink internet service for the first time. The available source information is limited to the headline and an excerpt noting comments; the body of the report was not accessible for review. The claim places the action as a first-of-its-kind intervention affecting Starlink, the satellite internet network associated with SpaceX, but the source does not supply corroborating detail on how the shutdown was carried out, whether it was nationwide or localized, the duration, or the number of users affected. No official statements, technical explanations, or responses from SpaceX/Starlink are provided in the excerpt available. As presented, the report signals an asserted intervention into satellite-based internet connectivity originating from Iran, but key specifics and independent verification are absent from the provided material.
Why it matters
- A reported shutdown of a satellite internet service raises questions about state capacity to affect non-terrestrial communications.
- If accurate, it could set a precedent for government intervention in satellite-based connectivity.
- Disruptions to satellite internet can have implications for civilians, emergency services, and cross-border information flow.
- Actions targeting global internet providers may draw international attention and potential regulatory, diplomatic, or technical responses.
Key facts
- Source: Forbes (article dated 2026-01-11).
- Headline states: 'Iran Shuts Down Starlink Internet for First Time.'
- URL indicates the piece was written by Zak Doffman (based on link structure).
- Provided excerpt was limited to the word 'Comments'; full article text was not available in the source material.
- Starlink is a satellite internet service associated with SpaceX (general industry fact).
- The source offers no verifiable details on how the shutdown was implemented, its scope, duration, or impacts.
What to watch next
- not confirmed in the source: whether the shutdown was nationwide or limited to specific regions within Iran.
- not confirmed in the source: any technical method used to disrupt Starlink, including jamming, legal orders, or network-side actions.
- not confirmed in the source: official responses from SpaceX/Starlink or statements from Iranian authorities.
- not confirmed in the source: reports on the outage's duration and the number of users affected.
Quick glossary
- Starlink: A branded satellite internet service that uses a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites to deliver broadband connectivity.
- Satellite internet: A form of internet access delivered from orbiting satellites to ground terminals, often used where terrestrial infrastructure is limited.
- Internet shutdown: An intentional disruption to internet connectivity imposed by an authority or occurring due to technical failure, affecting access for users.
- SpaceX: A private aerospace manufacturer and space transport company known for launching satellites and operating orbital systems.
Reader FAQ
Did Iran shut down Starlink?
The Forbes headline reports that Iran shut down Starlink for the first time; the supplied source lacks the full article and further confirmation.
How was the shutdown carried out?
not confirmed in the source
Was service restored and who was affected?
not confirmed in the source
Is Starlink operated by SpaceX?
Yes. Starlink is the satellite internet service associated with SpaceX (general industry information).
Comments
Sources
- Iran Shuts Down Starlink Internet for First Time
- Iran without internet, prince waiting in America
- As protests rage, Iran pulls the plug on contact with the world
- Inside Iran's Thriving Black Market For Starlink Terminals
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