PETITION: Restore the Digital Lifeline to Iran

Subject: Urgent Demand to Expedite Direct-to-Cell (D2C) Satellite Connectivity for Iranian Civilians

To:

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Chair and Commissioners
• The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
• The U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State
• The 119th U.S. Congress, Leadership and Key Committee Members
• SpaceX / Starlink, Leadership and Engineering Teams

The Crisis:

As of February 21, 2026, the people of Iran remain under a "digital curfew". Following the near-total blackout of January 8. This silence is a weapon used to mask human rights abuses and prevent civilians from accessing life-saving information during periods of unrest and potential military conflict.

Our Demand:

We, the undersigned, call for the immediate acceleration of Direct-to-Cell (D2C) technology to provide unblockable, terminal-free internet access directly to standard LTE smartphones within Iran. We urge the following decision-makers to implement these critical strategies:

1. Regulatory Fast-Tracking

• FCC Emergency Licensing: We call on the FCC to issue a Special Temporary Authorization (STA) allowing U.S. satellite providers to beam cellular signals into Iranian territory immediately, bypassing standard multi-year licensing phases.
• OFAC Sanctions Clarification: We urge the U.S. Treasury to expand General License D-2 to explicitly include D2C satellite services, ensuring that companies can provide these lifelines without fear of legal reprisal.\

2. Legislative Action

• Support Digital Freedom Legislation: We demand that Congress explore and pass legislation (such as FREEDOM Act, S.3360) that supports the development and deployment of technologies aimed at restoring internet access in restrictive environments, ensuring that digital diplomacy remains a priority.

3. Technical Implementation (SpaceX / Private Sector)

• Technology Deployment: We urge SpaceX and other private sector entities to explore innovative technical solutions for providing satellite-based internet access that is resilient to censorship and jamming, focusing on maximizing coverage and accessibility.

4. Humanitarian and Economic Support

• Funding for Circumvention Tools: We urge the U.S. State Department and relevant organizations to prioritize funding for initiatives that provide circumvention tools and digital security resources to individuals in Iran.

The Goal:

Connectivity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right. By exploring and implementing these strategies, we can work towards ensuring that every individual in Iran has access to open and uncensored information.

Sign, Share, and Support this petition to tell global leaders: Support digital freedom for the Iranian people.

Caption: 

•  Left: Robina Aminian — a 23-year-old student who bravely joined anti-government protests, was shot and killed at close range by security forces.
• Top right: Iranians kneel in the streets facing riot police and motorcyclists.
• Bottom right: A fallen protester, amid reports that authorities are demanding payment from families to release the bodies of those killed during protests.