Iran internet blackout estimated to cost $37M+ daily, crippling businesses and society
The ongoing digital disconnection is severely stalling commerce, draining millions of dollars daily and pushing many businesses toward collapse.
TEHRAN — Iran’s internet blackout, now stretching into three weeks, is wreaking economic havoc, crippling businesses, disrupting livelihoods, and magnifying the social and political shock following the regime’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests.
Authorities ordered the shutdown on the evening of Jan. 8, just as nationwide demonstrations over economic hardship and political grievances reached a peak, leaving nearly the entire country offline.
Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi has estimated the daily economic damage at over $33 million, affecting everything from communications operators and online commerce platforms to small service providers who depend on connectivity.
"Many companies are nearing the brink, and livelihoods are being severely damaged," Hashemi said in an interview with the state-funded Mehr News Agency on Monday.
