Title: International Responses to Digital Suppression: France’s Initiative to Deploy Eutelsat Terminals in Iran Amid Internet Blackout
Abstract
This paper examines France’s exploration of deploying Eutelsat satellite terminals in Iran to counteract a government-imposed internet blackout during widespread domestic unrest. The analysis situates this initiative within the broader context of digital sovereignty, international law, and the geopolitical dynamics of satellite internet access. By evaluating Eutelsat’s technological capabilities, France’s foreign policy motivations, and the ethical and legal challenges of circumventing state control over digital infrastructure, this study contributes to discourse on the role of technologically advanced nations in upholding digital rights amid crises. The paper concludes with implications for future international interventions and the evolving landscape of satellite-based connectivity in authoritarian contexts.
- Introduction
The global proliferation of digital communication has transformed the internet into a critical tool for civil society, enabling free expression and access to information. However, authoritarian regimes increasingly weaponize internet shutdowns to suppress dissent, as evidenced by Iran’s 2026 blackout during its most violent domestic unrest in decades. This paper analyzes France’s proposed deployment of Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran, exploring the geopolitical, technological, and legal dimensions of such an initiative. It argues that France’s actions reflect a growing trend of leveraging satellite internet as a diplomatic tool to support human rights, while raising complex questions about sovereignty, international norms, and technological ethics.
- Background: Contextualizing the Iranian Internet Blackout
In early 2026, Iran faced a state of emergency following mass protests triggered by systemic repression and human rights violations. Authorities imposed a near-complete internet blackout, cutting off access for 90% of the population and blocking satellite services like Starlink. Officially, the shutdown aimed to “protect national security,” but observers emphasized its role in silencing dissent and controlling information. Despite this, some citizens reported using Starlink terminals, a service operated by SpaceX, to circumvent the blackout. However, coverage and performance were limited, prompting calls for alternative solutions.
Eutelsat, a Franco-British satellite operator, emerged as a potential partner, given its ownership of OneWeb—a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation rivaling Starlink. The French government, led by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, announced initial discussions to deploy Eutelsat terminals, citing a moral imperative to support Iranian citizens. This move aligns with France’s broader strategy to assert influence in a geographically and politically contentious region while promoting digital rights.
- Eutelsat and the Global Satellite Internet Landscape
Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation, supported by the European Union, France, and the UK, represents a significant advancement in satellite broadband. With over 600 LEO satellites (compared to Starlink’s 9,000), OneWeb offers global coverage but generally lower speeds due to fewer satellites and less developed terrestrial infrastructure. Eutelsat’s terminals are designed for rural and remote connectivity, making them potentially suitable for Iran’s rural areas, where traditional internet infrastructure is limited.
However, deploying Eutelsat terminals in Iran poses logistical challenges. Iran’s government, which opposes foreign interference, could block the distribution of equipment or retaliate against perceived support for dissidents. Additionally, Eutelsat’s technology may struggle to provide the bandwidth required for widespread access, particularly in urban centers. These factors highlight the limitations of satellite internet as a standalone solution in authoritarian contexts.
- Geopolitical and Legal Implications
4.1 France’s Foreign Policy Strategy
France’s initiative aligns with its self-positioning as a leader in digital rights advocacy, particularly within the EU. By offering Eutelsat terminals, France seeks to reconcile its opposition to Iran’s theocratic regime with the need to avoid direct confrontation with Tehran. This approach mirrors past efforts, such as supporting Ukraine through satellite communication during the 2022 Russian invasion. However, critics argue that such actions risk entangling France in covert geopolitical conflicts and could strain relations with Iran if perceived as interference.
4.2 International Law and Sovereignty Concerns
The deployment of Eutelsat terminals raises questions about compliance with international law. Under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) agreements, satellite operators must coordinate with national authorities to avoid interference with authorized broadcasts. Unauthorized deployments in Iran could violate these norms, potentially leading to retaliatory measures from the Iranian government. Furthermore, the initiative could be interpreted as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which prohibits states from intervening in domestic affairs.
- Ethical and Technological Challenges
5.1 The Dilemma of Digital Sovereignty
While France frames the initiative as a humanitarian act, it contradicts the principle of digital sovereignty, which asserts that states have exclusive control over their internal information systems. Advocates for Eutelsat’s deployment argue that the right to access information—enshrined in international human rights law—overrides state claims of sovereignty. Opponents, however, warn that such interventions set a dangerous precedent, potentially legitimizing foreign interference in other conflicts.
5.2 Technological Limitations
Eutelsat’s LEO satellites, while advanced, face technical hurdles in Iran. Jamming technologies, limited terrestrial gateways, and the lack of local technical expertise could hinder service delivery. Additionally, the cost of terminals and user subscriptions may restrict access to wealthier individuals, leaving marginalized groups without relief. These challenges underscore the need for complementary strategies, such as funding local hacktivist networks or supporting encrypted communication platforms.
- Broader Implications for International Relations and Digital Diplomacy
France’s venture into Eutelsat-based digital diplomacy reflects a shift in 21st-century statecraft. As authoritarian regimes increasingly target the internet, technologically advanced nations may view satellite communication as a tool for both humanitarian and strategic objectives. This trend could spur an international “space race” for digital dominance, with companies like Starlink and OneWeb becoming geopolitical actors. Additionally, the initiative highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in humanitarian aid, as state-backed satellite firms navigate ethical and legal boundaries.
- Conclusion
France’s proposal to deploy Eutelsat terminals in Iran represents a pivotal moment in the global struggle for digital rights. While the initiative aims to mitigate the humanitarian impact of an internet blackout, it also raises profound questions about the ethics of technological interventionism and the redefinition of sovereignty in the digital age. Future research should examine the long-term effects of satellite internet on authoritarian governance and the potential for similar initiatives in other crisis zones. As satellite technology becomes more accessible, the international community must establish clear frameworks to balance human rights protection with respect for state sovereignty.
References
Barrot, J.-N. (2026). Statement to the National Assembly on Eutelsat Deployment in Iran. Paris, France.
Eutelsat. (2025). OneWeb: Connecting the World via Satellite. https://www.one-web.com
NetBlocks. (2026). Internet Shutdown in Iran: Monitoring Report.
United Nations General Assembly. (1966). International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Williams, D. (2025). “Geopolitics of Satellite Internet: Competition and Coalition.” Journal of Digital Diplomacy, 12(3), 45–67.