Mobile internet disrupted in Iran amid Khuzestan water protests
Network data from NetBlocks confirm a significant regional disruption to mobile internet service in Iran beginning Thursday 15 July 2021, ongoing almost a week later as of Wednesday 21 July 2021.
⚠️Confirmed: Network data show a significant regional disruption to mobile internet service in #Iran beginning Thursday 15 July 2021 amid widespread protests against water shortages in #Khuzestan Province; incident ongoing 📉
The incident comes amid major protests against water shortages in cities across the southwestern Khuzestan province including Ahvaz, Ramhormoz and Susangerd, manifesting as a near-total internet shutdown that is likely to limit the public’s ability to express political discontent or communicate with each other and the outside world.
Cellular data analysis metrics corroborate widespread user reports of cellular network disruptions, consistent with a regional internet shutdown intended to control protests. Fixed-line connectivity remains available in the area although users in Khuzestan are understood to be highly dependent on mobile data services. The incident is estimated to have knocked out approximately 3%-4% of Iran’s national mobile data connectivity.
