New “International Stable Internet” plan grants privileged connectivity to approved groups while millions remain offline, deepening concerns over digital inequality in Iran
Amid mounting criticism over unequal internet access in Iran, officials of the Iran regime have unveiled a new plan that formalizes selective connectivity under the label of “International Stable Internet.” The initiative, approved by the Supreme National Security Council, is being presented as a measure to support economic activity—but critics argue it entrenches a system of digital discrimination.
Reza Alizadeh, head of the Parliament’s Industries and Mines Commission, announced that the plan will initially grant stable international internet access to holders of commercial cards—primarily business owners and exporters—subject to unspecified “security considerations.” In later phases, access will be extended to organizations involved in industry, production, and trade.
While Alizadeh repeatedly emphasized the plan’s role in facilitating business operations and removing restrictions for economic actors, he made no reference to restoring access for the general public, which has faced severe internet disruptions for weeks. Iran has now experienced more than 50 days of widespread internet restrictions, with independent monitoring group NetBlocks confirming that ordinary citizens largely remain disconnected from the global network.
A Controlled and Selective Internet Model
The new plan builds on earlier efforts by the Iran regime to introduce what is commonly referred to as “Pro Internet”—a restricted form of global connectivity available only to vetted users. Similar proposals in recent weeks have already granted limited access to certain businesses, while leaving the broader population without reliable connectivity.
Digital rights advocates warn that this approach marks a fundamental shift in how internet access is defined in Iran—from a universal right to a controlled privilege. According to these assessments, the policy effectively creates a two-tier system: enhanced, stable access for approved groups, and heavily restricted connectivity for everyone else.
Observers argue that this framework goes beyond conventional regulation and represents the structural design of a class-based internet system.
“Pro Internet”: Limited Access at a High Cost
Details emerging from domestic reports indicate that access to this restricted internet is both limited and costly. Packages offered by Iran’s three main mobile operators—Hamrah-e Aval, Irancell, and Rightel—vary significantly in price and availability. For example, one provider reportedly charges the equivalent of tens of thousands of tomans per gigabyte, while annual packages can reach upwards of two million tomans.
Access is also tightly controlled. According to reports, only legal entities—such as registered businesses and institutions—can apply for the service. The process involves submitting a formal request, followed by a review period that may last several weeks. Even within approved organizations, only a small number of employees are granted access.
Users must also sign formal commitments pledging compliance with regime regulations, though the exact scope of these rules remains unclear.
Not Fully Open, Still Restricted
Despite being marketed as “stable international internet,” the service does not provide unrestricted access. Reports suggest that while certain platforms like messaging applications and basic web search may be available, many global services, websites, and applications remain blocked. Virtual private networks (VPNs), commonly used in Iran to bypass censorship, reportedly do not function on this network.
This limited functionality reinforces concerns that the initiative is less about restoring open internet access and more about maintaining control while selectively enabling economic activity.
Expansion to Academia and Other Sectors
The selective access model is also being extended beyond the business sector. Mehdi Abtahi, Deputy Minister for Research at the Ministry of Science, recently announced that university professors will receive phased access to international internet services. Reports indicate that similar high-cost packages are being offered to academic staff, again under strict regulatory conditions.
A Deepening Digital Divide
As the Iran regime continues to enforce widespread internet restrictions, the rollout of selective access programs signals a move toward institutionalizing digital inequality. By granting connectivity based on professional status and political approval, the regime appears to be constructing a controlled digital environment that limits the free flow of information while preserving operational capacity for key sectors.
For millions of ordinary Iranians, however, access to the global internet remains either severely restricted or entirely out of reach—raising serious concerns about freedom of information, economic opportunity, and the future of digital rights in the country.
