The socio-economic landscape in Iran is rapidly evolving, with citizens grappling with the dual crises of rising living costs and diminishing quality of life. As indicated by public sentiment, the psychological toll, the failure of small businesses, and a growing rage towards the government are coming to the forefront. Recent actions by the country’s leading telecommunications providers, “Hamrahe Aval” and “Irancell,” have exacerbated these issues, with the companies raising the prices of calls, text messages, and internet packages by as much as 40% effective October 23.
Financial Strain and Changes in Digital Habits
In a bid to assess the ramifications of the internet price hikes, “Iran International” conducted a survey on Instagram, querying followers about the effect these increases have had on their internet usage and purchasing habits. The responses revealed a landscape marked by financial pressures, restricted daily usage, and shifts in digital behaviour.
The feedback demonstrated that not all users are equally affected; for some, internet access has become a resource to be meticulously managed, while for others, it remains an indispensable necessity. Many expressed their frustrations, with some reducing their presence on social media platforms to cut costs, whilst others felt compelled to spend more due to their reliance on internet connectivity.
A significant theme in these responses is the abrupt change in digital lifestyles. Users reported adjusting their internet consumption by compromising on video quality, minimising time spent on social networks, and harbouring persistent anxieties regarding their data allowances.
One individual articulated the psychological burden of the situation: “My consumption hasn’t changed, but my mood has. I no longer enjoy it, constantly checking that my data hasn’t run out. I can’t use the internet with peace of mind as I once did.” Users outlined how they had cut back on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, reduced movie and series downloads, and even decreased the frequency of checking their mobile phones.
Another noted: “I no longer want to pick up my phone. We use it sparingly; I only follow important news and pages to make my data last three or four days. I no longer visit the blogger pages I once loved.”
Threatened by Bankruptcy: The Impact on Small Businesses
Alongside individual struggles, many messages highlighted the economic devastation and collapse of small enterprises. Amidst a prevailing economic crisis, where virtual platforms have become a primary source of income for many, the increased cost of operational tools has pushed these businesses closer to bankruptcy.
Business owners reported to “Iran International” a stark decline in Instagram users and a sharp drop in sales. One remarked, “The internet price increase, coupled with ongoing slow speeds, is destroying our online shops.” E-commerce operators expressed grave concerns, stating that the costs associated with data packages, rapid exhaustion of data allowances, and pervasive content restrictions threaten their livelihoods.
Struggling to Maintain Connectivity in a Constrained Environment
Despite the rising costs and deteriorating internet service, Iranians find themselves forced to purchase internet access. Citizens highlighted a necessity driven by two factors: the reliance of small businesses on digital platforms, and the innate need to keep a window open to the wider world.
Many stressed the significance of mobile phones as the only connection to a free world in a nation where joy, entertainment, and comfort are increasingly stifled by governmental restrictions. Some highlighted their willingness to forego basic essentials, such as food and clothing, to retain this vital link. One individual compared their reliance on internet access to addiction: “We must cut expenses elsewhere to find the money needed for the internet. We are as dependent on it as an addict is on drugs, reallocating funds to cover its cost.” Another lamented that the Iranian government had already stripped away their means of enjoying food, clothing, and entertainment, now attempting to sever their last connection to freedom.
The Economic Oversight: An Unprecedented Accumulation of Anger
Analysis of the public’s sentiment reveals that recent price increases are viewed as strategic moves rather than mere economic adjustments. Some users have explicitly accused the Iranian government of implementing a policy of “economic oversight” designed to ostracise citizens through price hikes following their failure to suppress dissent through censorship.
Yet, citizens remain resolute not to succumb to this form of coercion. A significant number asserted their determination to maintain connections with each other and the free world despite financial strains. One proclaimed, “It hasn’t affected my consumption, but it has significantly harmed my wallet. However, now is not the time to economise on internet access. This is the least we can pay to continue our struggle.”
The overarching message conveyed by citizens is one of simmering frustration. Numerous individuals noted an increase in overt hostility directed at the government and its leaders. One individual succinctly stated: “I use my data to curse Khamenei.” Others have remarked on the surge in hostile comments directed against those responsible. They suggested that each additional toman paid for internet services represents a building block added to the wall of frustration, a structure that may one day collapse upon those accountable for the turmoil.