Nearly half of Iran’s internet service providers have seen a 50% drop in sales due to government disruption, censorship and internet shutdowns during protests.
Computer Trade Union of Tehran — or Tehran ICT Guild Organization — announced on Saturday Nearly half of ISP companies are facing a 50% decline, based on a survey conducted at 104 member companies.
Union Secretary Alireza Keshabarz Jamsidian kept saying About half of internet providers lost more than 500 million rials (about $1,400) per day due to declining sales. However, one-fifth of businesses said he suffered losses of $2,800 to $14,000 per day.
“The internet may not be completely dead these days, but censorship puts restrictions in place. It’s hurting people who used to be,” Keshavarz emphasized.
The Internet has been severely restricted for more than 50 days since protests began in the wake of Masa Amini’s death in Moral Police custody.
International Internet watchdog groups, including NetBlocks, have repeatedly reported that data flows in various cities across the country have reached “a quarter” of normal.
Government officials restricted access to the internet to limit the free flow of information and posting of videos on social media platforms.
Earlier, Tehran’s e-commerce association said the internet shutdown would cost Iran $1.5 million an hour.
