"The blackout continues to this day, and it is forcing a country of more than 90 million people to find alternative ways to stay informed, stay in touch with loved ones, study, and keep their businesses afloat. The digital shutdown has meant that Google Maps isn't working, that data and emails are lost, that paying a taxi driver through an app has become a real challenge."
"Like many Iranians, Shahhosseini reinstalled an old satellite dish at home, since TV set-top boxes and smartphones were no longer helping her stay informed about the situation in Tehran. We needed to know where there had been a bombing and where the next could be! she says, referring to the satellite television news programs that shared occasional warnings from Israel on future attack targets."
"At the same time, the sale of illegal VPN configurations has soared, as has a more costly service called Internet Pro, used by business owners, other professionals, and academics. Shahhosseini wakes up in the middle of the night, when the VPN connection is less congested, and she can respond more quickly to clients. I get up at dawn to respond to emails from people who also can't connect during the day."
"In her house, the internet blackout has had some positive collateral effects: one of her teen daughters is reading more, another has started a beginner's sewing class, and is considering learning to play an instrument. Because they can't play video games anymore, explains Shahhosseini. Before, I was always short on time, and now, my life goes at a tortoise's pace, and I spend quality time with my family, she adds."
On February 28, aerial attacks coincided with Iranian officials blocking internet access, and the blackout has continued. Many people cannot use Google Maps, lose data and emails, and struggle to pay taxi drivers through apps. Some reinstall satellite dishes because smartphones and TV set-top boxes no longer provide reliable information. Satellite television news programs occasionally share warnings about possible bombing targets. Illegal VPN configurations and paid services such as Internet Pro have increased in use, especially for business owners, professionals, and academics. People often connect at night or early morning to reduce congestion and respond to clients. Some families report positive changes, including more reading and new sewing or music interests, while video games decline.
#iran-internet-blackout #vpn-and-satellite-communications #business-disruption #civilian-life-and-adaptation #aerial-attacks-and-security-measures
Read at english.elpais.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]