Iran’s two-tier internet access fuels anger and exposes cracks in the regime

Key Points:

• Iran's internet blackout, ongoing for over two months, is the longest on record and has severely impacted millions who depend on online access for their livelihoods, while a privileged "Internet Pro" service offers limited unrestricted access to select users, sparking public criticism.
• Internet Pro, launched by the Mobile Communications Company of Iran (MCI) with ties to the IRGC, provides more stable and less restricted internet access to businesses, academics, and others who pass verification, but it deepens social inequality by creating a digital elite amid widespread restrictions.
• The blackout began amid anti-government protests and was tightened after US and Israeli strikes; Internet Pro users reportedly access the internet through "white SIM cards" exempt from filtering, contrasting with most Iranians who rely on costly black-market VPNs or illegal Starlink devices.
• The tiered internet access system has exposed divisions within Iran’s regime, with reformist government officials opposing it and hardliners supporting it as a security measure, while public anger grows over profiteering and unequal access during a period of economic hardship.
• Various professional groups, including nurses and lawyers, have condemned the Internet Pro system for increasing social stress and inequality, and judiciary officials have called for action against misuse and corruption related to privileged internet access.