Civil society groups launch campaign urging humanitarian use of direct-to-cell satellite connectivity during internet shutdowns

A coalition of civil society organisations has launched a campaign calling for the integration of humanitarian safeguards into the deployment of direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite connectivity technologies, citing recent internet shutdowns in Iran as a case that illustrates the risks of large-scale connectivity disruptions.

The campaign argues that government-imposed internet shutdowns, such as those reported during recent protests in Iran, severely restrict civilians’ ability to communicate, access information, and maintain essential services. According to the coalition, prolonged and heavily filtered outages have disrupted banking, healthcare, emergency response, and telecommunications, while limiting the flow of information from affected areas.

The initiative highlights D2C satellite technology as a potential tool to maintain basic connectivity during shutdowns. Unlike existing low Earth orbit satellite internet services, which often require costly terminals and specialised equipment, D2C systems are designed to connect directly to standard smartphones. Campaign organisers say this could allow broader access, including in underserved areas, without additional hardware.

The coalition stresses that for such systems to serve humanitarian purposes, regulatory and operational frameworks must explicitly allow their use in crisis situations. Proposed measures include easing licensing and sanctions-related barriers, ensuring emergency activation protocols, and developing funding models that keep services affordable during crises.

While the campaign focuses on Iran, it also points to similar shutdowns in other regions, including Myanmar, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kashmir, Bangladesh, and Palestine, where authorities have restricted internet access during periods of unrest.

The campaign is supported by the following organisations: Access Now, WITNESS, ARTICLE 19, and Centre for Human Rights in Iran.