In Iran, partial internet access resumes for select groups amid ongoing shutdown

What happened

DW World reports that Iran’s internet has been shut down since February 28, following US and Israeli attacks. In response, the Iranian National Security Council approved a plan to offer limited paid internet access called 'Internet Pro' to selected professional groups such as Chamber of Commerce members, startups, technology firms, and retailers. This access is capped in daily usage and excludes major blocked platforms without VPNs.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. Journalist and researcher Solmaz Eikder explains that 'Internet Pro' does not represent an upgrade but circumvents the nationwide blockade, though many popular social media sites like Instagram, X, and YouTube remain inaccessible to these users without VPNs. Internet censorship in Iran, especially during periods of unrest such as the January protests, has been extensive and aimed at disrupting communications both domestically and externally.

The economic fallout from these restrictions has been severe amid already rising inflation exceeding 50% and currency devaluation. Many Iranians, particularly women in small towns who relied on online sales for supplementary income, have lost access to digital economic opportunities. The initial Internet Pro data package costs about $11 for 50GB, a substantial expense given the economic pressure households face post-sanctions and conflict-related disruption.

Known from the source

• Iran’s internet has been shut down since February 28, lasting more than 80 days.
• The National Security Council approved a plan to provide 'Internet Pro' — paid limited internet access — to select groups.
• 'Internet Pro' access includes a daily foreign website limit and requires payment (~$11 for 50GB).
• Major platforms like Instagram, X, and YouTube remain blocked even for Internet Pro users without VPNs.
• Economic conditions in Iran include over 50% inflation and significant rial devaluation.

What remains unclear

Domestic criticism has emerged against the Internet Pro scheme, with media and citizens decrying the transformation of internet access from a public right to a privilege for a financially privileged few. Students and many ordinary citizens remain excluded and resort to costly black market VPNs for limited connectivity. Internet freedom advocates note that most censorship circumvention tools have failed during the near-total shutdown.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirm precise causal link between US/Israeli attacks and the February 28 internet shutdown. Validate official Iranian government statements on Internet Pro rollout, user groups, and pricing. Verify current duration and scope of internet shutdown with Iranian and independent monitoring groups.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: DW World. Open the source.