Reconnecting With Viewers in Iran After Blackout

As internet access starts to return in Iran after a blackout lasting almost three months, SAT-7’s Persian channel is relieved to be able to make direct contact with viewers inside the country again.

“We were constantly worried about each individual viewer,” said Ashraf Khalilpour, SAT-7 PARS Viewer Support Manager. “Now that the internet is gradually returning, we are seeing immediate signs of reconnection.”

After a long period of silence, the channel’s WhatsApp account received around 70 messages from viewers in Iran in just one day this week. And for the first time in months, young viewers were able to participate live in the children’s program Golpand, while several adults were able to join the channel’s Zoom teaching sessions.

“Hearing their voices and testimonies about how the channel supported them during this dark time was incredibly encouraging,” Ashraf added.

One Zoom participant shared how he had lost his job as a result of the war and had absolutely no income. “Yet, miraculously, God provided for us from places we could never have imagined and met all our needs,” he said.

“We had nowhere to turn and no hand to hold except that of our Heavenly Father. God is truly good, and I am filled with praise. I am certain that your faithful prayers and the support of the network played a significant part in this.”

“Thank God you are there and thank you for your kindness,” said Maneli. “May the Lord help us get through these difficult days.”

“Severe” and “Painful” Impact

Internet access in Iran was cut off on February 28 at the start of the war with the US and Israel. It remained down for nearly three months in what has been the longest nationwide shutdown ever recorded anywhere.

And while some Iranians are now able to get online again, the internet remains heavily censored, connectivity is unstable, and many people still need VPNs to connect to the wider internet and access international platforms.

Reza Jafari, SAT-7 PARS Multimedia Senior Manager, described the impact of the blackout on the Iranian people as “severe.” As well as cutting the link between loved ones in and outside the country, it affected Iran’s already dire economy and limited many essential services, including education and healthcare.

“For Christians and underground churches, the impact was particularly painful,” Reza said. “Many believers depend on online access for spiritual teaching, fellowship, prayer, encouragement, and connection with trusted Christian resources. Being cut off from these sources created an additional layer of isolation for communities that already live under significant pressure. However, we’re grateful that we could broadcast to them via satellite, and we were praying that they would find peace and hope by watching our programs on TV.”

SAT-7 PARS’ satellite service on Yahsat was briefly disrupted at the beginning of the crisis, but broadcasts were quickly restored when the channel launched with alternative provider TürkmenÄlem (also known as MonacoSat).

Since the partial restoration of the internet last week, viewers inside Iran have been getting in touch with SAT-7 PARS to share their experiences.

“Thank God you are there and thank you for your kindness,” said Maneli. “May the Lord help us to get through these difficult days. Believe me, the living conditions here are difficult, and it is barely possible to survive the economic pressure. But our hope is in our Lord Jesus Christ, who guides us. We are grateful for the blessing of your prayers.”

Long-term Damage

While the return of the internet in Iran is positive news, and SAT-7 PARS is relieved to be able to reconnect directly with viewers there again, it does not mean that life has returned to normal.

“For many people, the damage caused by months of disconnection will continue to be felt emotionally, economically, socially, and spiritually,” Reza said. “Our role will be to listen carefully, respond pastorally, and provide content that helps people process what they have experienced through the hope and truth of the Gospel.”

SAT-7 PARS is anticipating a significant increase in demand for counseling and other forms of support and is planning targeted webinars and workshops for different groups to address specific needs.

The main message being shared across all SAT-7 PARS’ platforms at this time is: you are not alone. “We want them to know that God sees them, hears them, and is present with them in their suffering,” Reza said. “Even when communication channels are closed, when the internet is restricted, or when human systems fail, the door to Heaven remains open.”