• Iranians regain internet access after a nearly 90-day shutdown due to military actions and protests.
• The previously imposed blackout impacted millions, leading to job losses and communication barriers.
• Despite restored access, many apps remain restricted and users report slow and unstable connections.
• The economic impact of the shutdown was severe, costing Iran approximately $30-40 million daily.
• Many Iranians fear the potential for further access interruptions as tensions continue.

After nearly 90 days of internet shutdowns largely attributed to military actions and nationwide protests, Iranians have begun to reconnect online, expressing relief as access to platforms like Telegram and Instagram is restored. President Masoud Pezeshkian's directive to reopen the international internet was welcomed by many, including Kian Galvani, an engineering student who expressed his joy on social media. Despite this, the mechanism and timeline for full restoration remain uncertain, and many are cautious about potential future shutdowns, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.

Although connections have resumed, users report significant limitations, with many popular platforms still heavily restricted and connectivity remaining slow and spotty. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks highlighted that Iran's connectivity had only rebounded to about 86% of its pre-shutdown capacity. Analysts, such as Amir Rashidi, noted ongoing disruptions, stating, "It's too early to say the shutdown is over," which reflects a general sentiment of skepticism among Iranians who remain concerned about the reliability of their internet access, according to Los Angeles Times and NPR.

The lengthy outages have severely impacted the Iranian economy, particularly for those reliant on online business ventures. During the shutdown, prices for internet access surged, reaching about $7.50 per gigabyte in Tehran, exacerbating financial strains. Now that services are somewhat restored, prices have decreased but remain a concern. A member of Iran's Chamber of Commerce estimated that the internet blackout cost the economy between $30 million to $40 million daily. Further complicating this recovery, many locals indicate that they are finding it difficult to re-establish their online presence due to the loss of audience and connections, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.

During the shutdown, many Iranians faced difficulties in personal communications, with some unable to contact family members abroad for months. The restoration of internet access brought a glimmer of hope, especially for those who worried it would never resume. However, ongoing concerns about governmental censorship and potential future shutdowns loom large. Many citizens report relying on VPNs, though the costs involved have made such solutions unrealistic for many, denoting a continued sense of urgency for broader access and freedom online, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.