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Iran’s internet blackout has now lasted for two months, and people there are desperate to make contact with the outside world. During a small window of connectivity, one woman’s message to SAT-7 PARS reveals the struggles people inside the country are facing.
Internet access in Iran was severed on February 28th at the start of the war with the US and Israel. The nationwide shutdown has become the longest on record. On Tuesday, April 28th, an Iranian government spokesperson announced the easing of some restrictions to allow businesses limited access to the web.
Most ordinary Iranians have been cut off from the internet for over two months, with only a few managing to bypass the restrictions using expensive VPNs (Virtual Private Networks).
Mondana, a SAT-7 viewer inside Iran, managed to get a message through to us last week and explained how difficult this was:
“Greetings to all our dear friends who are serving us at SAT-7 PARS. I thank God for you, and I am truly grateful, because the conditions are very difficult for us.
“Many people do not have access to the internet, and the fact that we can sometimes connect using a VPN is a blessing in itself. For me, it is really very difficult to connect because of the high cost of VPNs and the fact that I have to turn my phone off and on many times to eventually be able to connect to the internet for a few minutes.”
Most ordinary Iranians have been cut off from the internet for over two months, with only a few managing to bypass the restrictions using expensive VPNs.
Mondana explained other challenges she is facing. Like many other Iranians, she is struggling to make ends meet as the war affects the country’s already dire economy. Several million have lost their work and are being pushed into poverty.
“In a few days, the rent for my shop is due,” she said. “Today, after I opened my shop until 11 am, I had only one customer. Thank God that afterwards, a few more customers came. However, I do not have the money to pay the rent, and my only hope is in God. Many people here are facing problems and a lot of pressure, and rent is only one issue.”
As talks between Iran and the US are stalled, the future of the crisis is unclear. Mondana is taking refuge in her faith:
“I am standing in my faith, and my eyes are on God alone… People have no hope left. The situation has become so difficult and hard to bear that only God can help. We are waiting for a miracle. Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for being there, encouraging and strengthening us with your prayers.”
SAT-7 PARS is continuing to broadcast into Iran 24/7 via satellite television with a particular focus on prayer and worship programming to strengthen viewers during these difficult days. The channel is also maintaining its digital presence for when people inside the country are able to connect to the internet.
Sources
2 CNN
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