According to Sawyer Merritt, SpaceX has started providing free Starlink satellite internet access in Iran during widespread protests and a prolonged internet blackout (source: Sawyer Merritt on Twitter, January 13, 2026). This move eliminates the subscription fee for Iranian users with Starlink receivers, enabling uninterrupted access to high-speed internet. From an AI industry perspective, this initiative highlights the business opportunity for satellite internet providers to deploy AI-powered network management and anti-censorship technologies in politically unstable regions. The practical application of AI algorithms for bandwidth optimization and real-time traffic rerouting ensures reliable connectivity under challenging circumstances, positioning SpaceX and similar companies at the forefront of AI-driven digital infrastructure solutions.