After enduring months of severe internet restrictions during the Middle East conflict, many Iranians are finally reconnecting online — but only through a controversial paid system that critics say creates digital inequality.
For 39-year-old Iranian tech worker Amir-Hassan, getting back online was no longer a choice but a necessity. Following the internet shutdown imposed after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, millions of Iranians lost access to global communication platforms, leaving freelancers, entrepreneurs, and online workers struggling to survive financially.
When Amir-Hassan received an offer to subscribe to Iran’s newly introduced “Pro Internet” service, he immediately accepted despite concerns surrounding the system.
“It was something I had to do,” he explained. “Without internet access, my income stopped.”
He reportedly paid around US$11 (RM43.20) for an initial 50GB package just to regain partial connectivity and continue his work online.
According to internet monitoring organization NetBlocks, the shutdown became one of the longest nationwide internet blackouts ever recorded, leaving citizens cut off from much of the digital world. Most people were only able to access limited domestic websites, banking portals, and government-approved applications.
The situation has sparked widespread criticism across Iran, with many accusing authorities of creating a “tiered internet” structure where better access is reserved for selected professionals, business owners, or approved individuals.
Critics argue that the system transforms internet access from a public right into an exclusive privilege available only to those who can afford it.
Even with the paid “Pro Internet” package, users still face restrictions. Amir-Hassan explained that while applications like WhatsApp and Telegram became accessible, major global platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and X remained blocked unless users paid separately for VPN services.
Different users also reported receiving varying levels of internet access, fueling concerns that the system lacks fairness and transparency.
Beyond financial strain, subscribers are also facing social criticism. Some citizens accuse users of financially supporting a system that many consider unjust and discriminatory.
University of Tehran linguistics professor Behrooz Mahmoodi-Bakhtiari shared that he never received an invitation to subscribe to the upgraded internet package. According to him, reliable internet access is mostly limited to university campuses.
“The moment you leave the university, you feel like a third-class citizen again without proper internet access,” he said.
Iranian reformist newspaper Shargh and several independent commentators have openly criticized the initiative, describing it as a dangerous move toward digital class division.
Meanwhile, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani defended the restrictions, claiming the blackout was necessary due to wartime security concerns. She blamed external threats from Israel and the United States for forcing authorities to tighten online controls.
For many ordinary Iranians already battling inflation, sanctions, and a weakening economy, the paid internet system has become another financial burden.
Inflation in Iran has reportedly surged beyond 50 percent in recent weeks, while the Iranian rial continues to lose value against the US dollar, pushing prices of daily essentials sharply upward.
Mehdi, a 34-year-old graphic designer, admitted that although the service is expensive and offers limited data, he still subscribed because his work depends on internet access.
“Not everyone can afford this,” he said.
Another user, 38-year-old visual artist Kaveh, refused to subscribe altogether. Already paying separately for VPN services, he criticized the pricing structure and the idea of paying significantly more for what he called “a small amount of freedom.”
The growing backlash highlights increasing frustration among Iranians who believe unrestricted internet access should remain a basic civic right rather than a costly privilege reserved for a select few.
