Iran Is Hunting Down Starlink Users to Stop Protest Videos from Going Global

gnabgib wrote: post #3

Related: Iran shuts down Starlink internet for first time (191 points, 2 days ago) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46575224 Iran is likely jamming Starlink (135 points, yesterday, 273 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46573384

Thanks for including these! I feel like by the end of the month these related comments will span 10 different posts

Re: Iran Is Hunting Down Starlink Users to Stop Protest Videos from Going Global

#5

Post by sysguest » Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 7:35 AM UTC

hmm maybe this can be easily solved?

1. make a starlink+wireless mesh-network (eg. using BLE) that can handle multiple connects/disconnects seamlessly

2. mount those starlinks on cars/trucks/motorcycles/etc. hide those on ditches, buildings, etc.

Elon should work on that "starlink wireless mesh-network" part (eg. app or device)

Re: Iran Is Hunting Down Starlink Users to Stop Protest Videos from Going Global

#6

Post by burnt-resistor » Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 8:00 AM UTC

Agreed3750 wrote: post #4

gnabgib wrote: post #3

Related: Iran shuts down Starlink internet for first time (191 points, 2 days ago) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46575224 Iran is likely jamming Starlink (135 points, yesterday, 273 comments) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46573384

Thanks for including these! I feel like by the end of the month these related comments will span 10 different posts

Seems like it. And it's (only) been 5 days now, but jamming SL seems like desperation from the government side while there appears to be support from traditionalist faction(s) per counter-protests.

The perpetual struggles everywhere: rich vs. poor, and open vs. traditional.

Re: Iran Is Hunting Down Starlink Users to Stop Protest Videos from Going Global

#7

Post by bigfatkitten » Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 8:09 AM UTC

sysguest wrote: post #5

hmm maybe this can be easily solved? 1. make a starlink+wireless mesh-network (eg. using BLE) that can handle multiple connects/disconnects seamlessly 2. mount those starlinks on cars/trucks/motorcycles/etc. hide those on ditches, buildings, etc. Elon should work on that "starlink wireless mesh-network" part (eg. app or device)

Terminals are easy to find.

Every single commercial mobile satellite system, other than VSAT needs to tell the network where it is in order to function. None of them are designed for low probability of interception/detection.

Re: Iran Is Hunting Down Starlink Users to Stop Protest Videos from Going Global

#8

Post by lm28469 » Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 9:02 AM UTC

sysguest wrote: post #5

hmm maybe this can be easily solved? 1. make a starlink+wireless mesh-network (eg. using BLE) that can handle multiple connects/disconnects seamlessly 2. mount those starlinks on cars/trucks/motorcycles/etc. hide those on ditches, buildings, etc. Elon should work on that "starlink wireless mesh-network" part (eg. app or device)

> Elon should work

Elon? You mean the team behind starlink? The cult of personality around this nerd is amazing

Re: Iran Is Hunting Down Starlink Users to Stop Protest Videos from Going Global

#9

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 9:28 AM UTC

bigfatkitten wrote: post #7

sysguest wrote: post #5

hmm maybe this can be easily solved? 1. make a starlink+wireless mesh-network (eg. using BLE) that can handle multiple connects/disconnects seamlessly 2. mount those starlinks on cars/trucks/motorcycles/etc. hide those on ditches, buildings, etc. Elon should work on that "starlink wireless mesh-network" part (eg. app or device)

Terminals are easy to find. Every single commercial mobile satellite system, other than VSAT needs to tell the network where it is in order to function. None of them are designed for low probability of interception/detection.

[deleted]

Re: Iran Is Hunting Down Starlink Users to Stop Protest Videos from Going Global

#10

Post by sysguest » Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 9:36 AM UTC

lm28469 wrote: post #8

sysguest wrote: post #5

hmm maybe this can be easily solved? 1. make a starlink+wireless mesh-network (eg. using BLE) that can handle multiple connects/disconnects seamlessly 2. mount those starlinks on cars/trucks/motorcycles/etc. hide those on ditches, buildings, etc. Elon should work on that "starlink wireless mesh-network" part (eg. app or device)

> Elon should work Elon? You mean the team behind starlink? The cult of personality around this nerd is amazing

hmm so who should I refer to?

should I call out bill gates? zuckerberg?