One week after the conflict, VPN prices rose sharply across Iran, affecting citizens’ access to the internet. Despite internet disruptions, banking systems and ATMs remain fully operational. Citizens continue withdrawing cash without major issues. The conflict caused severe interruptions to internet lines, limiting connectivity to only the national network. However, ATMs connected to the Shetab banking system worked normally.
Shetab allows users to access funds from any bank card at multiple ATMs nationwide. It also handles domestic payments, transfers, and utility bills. International cards like Visa and Mastercard remain largely unsupported. Meanwhile, VPN prices rise dramatically. Before the conflict, one gigabyte cost less than one US dollar. Today, local reports indicate prices reaching up to six dollars per gigabyte.
VPN services remain crucial for many Iranians seeking access to social media and external websites blocked by national internet filters. Authorities monitor internet traffic using advanced filtering techniques. VPNs encrypt data and reroute it through external servers, bypassing restrictions. New protocols, such as V2Ray, make detection more difficult.
Experts note that high VPN costs limit accessibility for many users. Resellers charge one million toman per gigabyte, while some smaller services offer prices starting at 400,000 toman. The market for VPNs in Iran is informally known as the “VPN mafia.” Annually, billions of toman flow through this network. Users often pay additional monthly fees to maintain access.
Bank officials report that ATM operations are stable. Tehran alone has over 20,000 ATMs, and machines function despite high transaction volumes and cash shortages. Petrol stations and other public services also continue operating normally, using national banking networks.
Economists say Iran’s economy remains under strain. Currency devaluation and sanctions pressure citizens financially, while VPN costs add extra burdens. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei recently addressed the public, emphasizing that resolving tensions with the United States could help stabilize economic conditions.
Political analysts warn that international conflicts can worsen domestic infrastructure issues. However, Iran’s banking sector shows resilience amid internet restrictions and escalating VPN costs. Moving forward, citizens may continue relying on VPNs and national networks for essential services. Banking access appears secure, but high VPN costs remain a pressing challenge.