The Growth of Satellite Internet in Conflict Zones

May 3, 2026, 14:18
AsiaTechnology

Introduction

The use of SpaceX's Starlink satellite technology has become a vital way to avoid government-controlled internet systems in Yemen and Iran.

Main Body

In Yemen, Starlink was introduced following a September 2024 agreement with the internationally recognized government. This technology has helped create a digital economy, allowing freelancers and teachers to earn foreign currency and keep working despite the poor state of local infrastructure. However, the Houthi administration in Sanaa, which controls the land-based internet providers, has described the service as a tool for US spying and a threat to national security. Consequently, they have threatened users with legal action. The main obstacle to wider use is the cost, as the equipment is too expensive for a population where over 80 percent live below the poverty line. In Iran, Starlink is primarily used to bypass total internet shutdowns that occur during civil unrest and military conflicts. Because the Iranian government has officially banned the service, people now rely on secret smuggling networks to get the hardware. While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) emphasizes that restricting connectivity is necessary to stop foreign intelligence operations, this approach has caused a serious disagreement within the government. The civilian government and the Chamber of Commerce have pointed out that internet blackouts cause severe economic damage, estimated at 80 million USD per day. Therefore, there is a clear conflict between the state's security goals and its economic needs.

Conclusion

Satellite internet is currently a key tool for economic survival and a way to bypass political censorship in regions facing digital isolation.

Learning

πŸš€ Moving from 'Basic' to 'B2' Logic

An A2 student says: "The internet is bad, so people use Starlink."

A B2 student says: "Because the local infrastructure is poor, people rely on Starlink to survive economically."

The Secret: Logical Connectors (The 'Glue' of B2 English)

To move to B2, you must stop using only "and," "but," and "because." You need words that show cause, result, and contrast more precisely. Look at these shifts from the text:

⚑ The 'Result' Shift

Instead of saying "so," the text uses:

  • Consequently β†’\rightarrow "Consequently, they have threatened users with legal action."
  • Therefore β†’\rightarrow "Therefore, there is a clear conflict..."

Coach's Tip: Use these at the start of a sentence to sound more professional and academic.

βš–οΈ The 'Contrast' Shift

Instead of saying "but," the text uses:

  • However β†’\rightarrow "However, the Houthi administration... has described the service as a tool for spying."
  • While β†’\rightarrow "While the IRGC emphasizes... this approach has caused a serious disagreement."

Coach's Tip: "While" is a power-move. It allows you to balance two opposite ideas in one single sentence.

πŸ› οΈ Vocabulary Upgrade: A2 β†’\rightarrow B2

Stop using simple verbs. Notice how the article describes actions:

A2 (Simple)B2 (Sophisticated)Context from Text
Avoid/SkipBypass"Bypass total internet shutdowns"
Depend onRely on"People now rely on secret smuggling networks"
ProblemObstacle"The main obstacle to wider use is the cost"
ImportantVital"...has become a vital way to avoid..."

πŸ’‘ Final Insight: B2 fluency isn't about using the longest words; it's about using the right connectors to show how your ideas are linked. Start replacing "so" with "therefore" today!

Vocabulary Learning

bypass (v.)
to go around or avoid something, especially a restriction or obstacle
Example:Many users bypass internet shutdowns by using satellite connections.
shutdown (n.)
a temporary or permanent closure of a service or facility
Example:The government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown during the protests.
civil (adj.)
relating to ordinary citizens and not to the military
Example:Civil unrest erupted in the capital after the election.
unrest (n.)
disturbance or disorder caused by dissatisfaction
Example:The city experienced widespread unrest after the announcement.
revolutionary (adj.)
relating to or causing a dramatic change or overthrow of an established system
Example:The revolutionary guard has significant influence over national security.
intelligence (n.)
information gathered for strategic or military purposes
Example:Intelligence agencies monitor satellite traffic for potential threats.
disagreement (n.)
a lack of agreement or difference of opinion
Example:The disagreement between the two factions delayed policy decisions.
severe (adj.)
extremely serious or intense
Example:The severe economic damage affected many small businesses.
security (n.)
the state of being protected from danger or threat
Example:National security concerns often justify restrictive measures.
conflict (n.)
a serious disagreement or struggle between parties
Example:The conflict between security goals and economic needs remains unresolved.
censorship (n.)
the suppression or control of information or expression
Example:Censorship of online content is a common tactic in authoritarian regimes.
freelancers (n.)
individuals who work independently rather than for a single employer
Example:Freelancers rely on stable internet to deliver their services.
infrastructure (n.)
the basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation
Example:The lack of infrastructure hampers internet connectivity in rural areas.
population (n.)
the total number of people living in a particular area
Example:The population in the region suffers from limited access to technology.
poverty (n.)
the state of being extremely poor
Example:Poverty line refers to the minimum income required for basic living expenses.
smuggling (n.)
the illegal movement of goods across borders
Example:Smuggling of satellite hardware is common in restricted zones.
restricting (v.)
to limit or control the use or movement of something
Example:Restricting connectivity is viewed as a necessary measure by some officials.
necessary (adj.)
required or essential
Example:The policy is considered necessary to protect national interests.
stop (v.)
to bring an end to an action or activity
Example:The government aims to stop foreign intelligence operations.
economic (adj.)
relating to the economy or financial matters
Example:Economic damage can cripple a country's growth.
survival (n.)
the state of continuing to live or exist
Example:Satellite internet provides a path to economic survival.
digital (adj.)
related to or using electronic technology
Example:Digital isolation occurs when a region lacks internet access.
isolation (n.)
the state of being separated or alone
Example:Digital isolation can hinder development and communication.
key (adj.)
most important or essential
Example:Access to reliable internet is a key tool for businesses.
tool (n.)
an instrument or device used to perform a task
Example:Satellite internet is a powerful tool for bypassing censorship.